The Magic Of Story Telling

What makes the human race so unique? So intuitive? So artistic? It is because of our expressiveness; pieces of art and literature like Forrest Gump and Tim O'Brien's The Things They Carried. They allow an individual's creativity to flourish. Although this film and novel are not very similar, they have one major aspect in common; the art of story telling. Each are unquestionably powerful, even inspirational. They are stories that effectively convey their messages. Yet, these stories are not necessarily the "truth". "That's what fiction is for. It's for getting at the truth when the truth isn't sufficient for the truth. The pig factory is there for those dreams of slaughter-they were quite real inside of me," (O'Brien). The telling of stories, even if they are fictitious, allows for the author's purpose to more easily be revealed. It is the fiction that makes the artist capable of accentuating his/her point, a hyperbole if you will. It is what O'Brien gives his audience in The Things They Carried. His vast use of metafiction creates a vivid depiction of his experiences in the Vietnam War (even if the stories are not 100% true).
Momma says, "Life's like a box of chocolates, you never know what you're gonna get," (Forrest Gump). I don't know if such a simple phrase has ever made so much sense. This is why we need story telling- to enlighten people, and maybe give them a better understanding of the chocolate that they picked. "A trio of assests lift Forrest Gump above the average "lifestory" drama: its optimism, freshness, and emotional honesty," (Berardinelli, Reelviews). The pure emotion that perpetuates from each scene in this movie is certainly honest; so honest that is has even caused tears to fall from my eyes. Yet, Forrest Gump is only a story, developed by fictitious detail. It is this facet of storytelling, the use of fiction, that gives stories their power.

Holden as the Universal Teen

Holden Caulfied represents a typical teenager on several different levels. First, is his yearning for company. Holden begins an endeavor of solidarity; a few days without really any friends or family. He struggles, having a difficult time handling the loneliness, and his entire demeanor is overcome with melancholy. This is quite obvious in his conversation with Carl Luce. ""Have just one more drink," I told him. "Please. I'm lonesome as hell. No kidding," (Salinger 149). Teenagers simply do not enjoy being ostracized. They want to enjoy themselves in the presence of their friends, and just have a good time. Holden's sadness and depression is indicative of his yearning for company. Also, Holden also has an obvious desire for a female figure in his life. He is quietly infatuated with Jane, as he misses her greatly. He also "falls in love" with Sally, and asks her to run away with him. Holden becomes so desperate that he actually invites a prostitute to his hotel room. These behaviors represent typical teenage male feelings; a period of hormonal instability.
Another trait that shows Holden as the universal teen is the way he speaks. His vernacular is informal, to say the least. Phrases such as "helluva" or "sonuva*****" represent his immaturity. Clearly Holden, similar to most teenagers, does not speak like an adult. Another typical trait of teenagers is the need for protection. Holden finds his with his red hunting hat. "My hunting hat really gave me quite a lot of protection, in a way, but i got soaked anyway. I didn't care, though. I felt so damn happy..." (213). Most teenagers, however, find this sense of protection with their parents. Parents often are there to help their children deal with their problem, thus, serving as a protective force. Unfortunately, Holden feels as if he does not have that option.

The Showdown: Mac VS Big Nurse

Ken Kesey's development of characters in One Flew over the Cuckoo's Nest is simply incredible. He has mastered the art of description, creating vivid pictures in my mind with his elegant words. As the plot begins to unravel, we witness the emergence of two powerful characters: Big Nurse and McMurphy. When Big Nurse is introduced into the story, one could tell that she will be a stern, relentless force. "She [Big Nurse] knows what they been saying, and I can see she's furious clean out of control. She's going to tear the black bastards limb from limb, she's so furious. She's swelling up, swells till her back's spitting out the white uniform and she's let her arms section out long enough to wrap around the three of them five, six times," (Kesey 11). Big Nurse Ratched has complete control over the entire ward, as she intimidates not only the patients, but some of the doctors as well. Her reign over the ward is supreme.
However, the admittance of McMurphy into the ward disrupts her power. "His face and neck and arms are the color of oxblood leather from working long in the fields. He's got a primer-black motorcycle cap stuck in his hair and a leather jacket over one arm, and he's got on boots gray and dusty and heavy enough to kick a man half in two," (17). McMurphy is a free spirit whose mind is as daft as they come. As he recognizes that Nurse Ratched has a relentless hold on the ward, he makes it his mission to "rustle her feathers". In doing so, the atmosphere in the ward, and especially the attitudes of the patients begins to change. They begin to laugh, and see the happier side of life.
Big Nurse has the last say as a lobotomy is performed on McMurphy, essentially ending his life. However, in the ultimate battle, McMurphy's exuberant personality allowed for the patients to see through the 'fog'. No longer did Nurse Ratched have unyielding power as she once did.

The Arthurian Legend

The Arthurian Legend is one of the most well-known tales in history. It is simply majestic in its nature, and the tale has endured for almost a thousand years due to several reasons. The pure history behind the tale about the Kings of Old England is reason enough for people to be interested. The legend is overflowing with elements of a medieval romance. With these vivid characteristics, the reader is constantly being drawn to the tale. Also, there are several interpretations which can please different audiences. Imagination flourishes in the tales, and creates endless possibilities. All of these reasons have allowed for the existence of the legend to continue.

The characteristics of a medieval romance are utilized tremendously in this tale. Chivalry, love and romance, battles, and adventure create a desirable atmosphere; keeping the audience interested. Drama always seems to be apparent. It is similar to that of the popular shows of television today. There are so many twists and turns in the tale, that it can be acknowledged as one of the first soap operas in history. For example, in Malory's Le Morte D' Arthur, there is sex and scandal. "Tonight you shall appear before Igraine at Tintagil in the likeness of her husband, the Duke." King Uther deceives Igraine, and it leads to the conception of Arthur. The tale begins in such a dramatic, controversial manner that why would any population let this tale die? Another key aspect is adventure. In Sir Gawain and the Green Knight, Gawain embarks on a journey to find the Green Chapel. Along the way he encounters numerous obstacles, adding excitement to the tale. There are just so many facets to the Arthurian Legend that it is unlikely that the tale will ever fade away.

The elements of a medieval romance spur the creation of a variety of pieces of work. Whether it be through a novel, poem, or movie, the legend can reach large numbers of people. Each person can be exposed to the legend by choosing the style or tone they like best. A great example is Monty Python and the Holy Grail. Pride and honor lead to so many small battles. It is almost comical how there are 'fights to the death' just for the passage over a bridge. When Arthur and the Black Knight engage in battle, Arthur slices off the limbs of the Black Knight. The Black Knight says, "It's just a flesh wound," (Monty Python and the Holy Grail). This parody pokes fun at some of the ridiculous battles in the legend. It actually contributes to the popularity of the tale.

Imagination is also imperative to the endurance of the tale. Magic plays key roles in numerous events. The mystique of Merlin, the power of Excalibur, and the idea of a young boy pulling a sword out of a stone spurs imagination. It makes it seem like anything is possible. "You won the 'impossible' condition he set, and now his evil spell is broken," (Sir Gawain and the Lady Ragnell). The magic spell on Lady Ragnell was lifted, and she was able to return to her real identity. This youthful imagination is refreshing to read about, and the magic allows for incredible creativity.

Medieval Romance

Romance plays such a large role in medieval literature. Chivalry, which is in essence the knights' code, is centered around dignity and honor to a woman. It seems that each and every aspect of a knight's action pertains or relates to a woman. They try to please their "lady"; to make them happy and feel secure. However, I find it baffling that the premise of their code is an obligation to a woman, yet there are numerous infidelities and one-night-stands. A king even went as far to deceive a woman into sleeping with him. "Tonight you shall appear before Igraine at Tintagil in the likeness of her husband, the duke," (Malory). This is disgusting. King Uther should have accepted the fact the Igraine loved the duke, and did not want to be with him. Some of the other stories were very entertaining. The magical events spark so many creative and exciting possibilities. Sir Gawain and the Lady Ragnell exemplifies this creativity. The story raised the question "what women desire the most", and I was immediately interested. Love and romance is clearly a main theme in medieval culture.

Beowulf: Selfish or Not?

There is a fine line between a demeanor with bold confidence and just acting plain selfish. Without a doubt, Beowulf is flirting with this line. According to Beowulf, "He who can earn it should fight for the glory of his name; fame after death is the noblest of goals,"(1387-1389). At first glance this remark may seem to only perpetuate selfishness. However, we must remember that this story is set in a time period much different from ours. Fame and glory were two keystones to life that people set out to achieve. In actuality, Beowulf is not that much different than other people during this period. At times, Beowulf absolutely pushes the limit of confidence, but he is not acting selfishly.
Another aspect of this scenario we must consider is that Beowulf is putting himself in danger to ensure the safety of people he does not even know. Is bravery is unparalleled. People should envy his courageousness, and be thankful for it; for if Beowulf did not come to Hrothgar's kingdom, people's lives would still be at risk. Beowulf's actions of bravery, like when he battled Grendel without any weapons, nearly contradicts the definition of selfish. Although he is definitely confident, Beowulf is not selfish.

The Best Cover

The Fifth Child is best represented by the cover with the mysterious blue child. Several key characterists of Ben are depicted. The first thing that catches your eye will be the alien physical appearance of the child. His blue skin certainly will be of glaring interest to the audience. In conjunction with the skin, the strange yellow eyes almost sends a shock of fright down your spine. Ben, in the novel, is often described as being something foreign. "'Well, you saw him, didn't you? How do we know what kinds of people--races, I mean-- creatures different from us, haved lived on this planet?" (Lessing 105) Here his mother Harriet is trying to convince Dr. Gilly that Ben is a throwback of some sort; possibly a goblin. This cover is a great represenation of that idea. Also, the demeanor of the character on the cover is parallel to that of Ben's throughout the novel, confused. You can tell through his expression that he is struggling to find acceptance in this world. This is a key point in the book.