As amazing as it would be if I could stretch this whole blog out to be about the squirrels that briefly entertained our class yesterday, there's not much to say on the subject. I guess I'll just have to comment on the different tounges story instead. :(
One of the main ideas of this short story was how complete strangers can sometimes ban together and support eachother. Not everyone in the world is self-centered. The first time this theme was explored was in the scene where the bus driver drove off without a passenger who was still in Burger King and then proceeded to mock him by slowing down and then saying "psych" and speeding off again. The other passengers on the bus were outraged by the cruelness of the bus driver and all yelled until the bus driver finally let the poor man back on. Then they cheered and brought this stranger back in welcomingly. I think part of the reason the strangers on the bus banned together was because they knew it could just as easily have been them running along side the bus; however, some of the peope probably actually cared for the man's well-being, for the time he was on the bus anyway. There are so many humans on earth all going in a billion different directions that we can't all possibly care for one another on a personal level, but it is always a happy thing to see strangers caring for one another.
Another time this theme comes up in the text is in the ending scene with the prostitutes helping Tia escape Dezi. Although reluctant at first, they eventually give her some money (with persuading from Marie) so Tia doesn't have to resort to their way of life. It is without a doubt impossible to make a difference in everyone's life; however, it is the little things that count, so rather than just walking past every random person we see, at least smile. Give a little. :) We are only strangers before we say "hello."
3 comments:
I also noticed the theme of strangers banding together to help eachother in tough situations. This theme really helped Tia to grow as a person. She grew up learning that everyone who doesn't believe in God is considered part of the "world." And the "world" is evil. As a child, Tia didn't realize that people who don't believe in God can still be good people, and people who do believe in God (or at least appear to) aren't always good.
One lesson Tia learned about this was with Dezi. He told her that he believed in God and even showed her his cross chain, making her believe he was a good guy, but later, Dezi demonstrated with his actions that he wasn't a good person. He either took advantage of Tia or tried to (depending on your interpretation of the story).
Later the prostitutes, who are often considered extremely evil, show kindness to Tia by giving her money and helping her to escape. They demonstrate to Tia that people who are a part of the "world" can also be good people. These lessons will change the way Tia looks at the world when she goes back home. Good close reading the story for themes Alyssa!
Great post, Alyssa. I think that's one of the great things about this story, and what makes it to be somewhat hopeful in my mind. Compassion, empathy, and grace can be found all over this world, even in the most unlikely of places, such as a Greyhound bus or a dark street filled with prostitutes.
I definitely have to say that there are not any squirels running around outside the window in my class. I would notice cause I sit directly opposite the window.
I wish that we had squirels running around. It would allow me to escape from the class for at least a few seconds.
...one day there were two men walking around outside the window. but thats not that entertaing.
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