Squirrels out the Window

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."

soldier letters

Although the three soldier's letters I read and interpreted were from soldiers of three different wars, there were definitely some similarities among them which I would not have expected. The first thing I noticed was the common theme of a sense of optomism. Although two of the three soldiers were in bad health, they all seemed positive. One was saying he was sorry for missing hunting, but looking forward to next season. The soldier was confident in the fact that the war would be over soon and that he would be alive and well. Another soldier didn't seem to concerned in the fact that the war was going on, but instead focused on how he was fortunate to have the opportunity to go to a nearby farm and get warm milk each morning. The third soldier who was writing to his cousin was basically telling an adventure story full of bugs and bumpy roads, but suprisingly little gore and actual battle scenes. He was very proud of their record-breaking travel day, and I'm pretty sure he would love to direct a motion picture film of his life story. The other interesting component that was similiar in all the letters was the uncertainty that the letters would reach their intended destination. The soldiers hoped the letters reached their family, but knew there was a good chance they wouldn't; therefore, I think writing the letters was a nice break from the whole war scene and they rather enjoyed the break. I guess it makes sense that the soldiers were so positive since otherwise they would go crazy with all of the horrors of war, but the light-heartedness definitely caught me by surprise. Not one soldier complained- probably so they wouldn't worry their families.