Blog Task: One Night @ the Call Center

Respected Sir,

·        Narrative technique of Bhagat novel ON@TCC is very interesting. Bhagat use prologue and Epilogue. In this novel he also uses term dues ex machine through bringing God in the novel. Narrative technique of both the novels is same, but Bhagat try to present it in more interesting way. Other thing is that who is that lady? Who told story to author? At the end she says that if you want to replace God with Military uncle you can. Another is that lady is not one of six so another question that who is she? She told story to writer and writer tells the story through the character of Shyam.

·        The self-help book we can say that easiness or easy to read and what is the message of the book we clearly defined it in easy way. The self-help book is one that is written with the intention to instruct its readers on solving personal problems. However we can see in this novel the characters of Radhika and Priyanka their idea about the “vasudhaivkutumbkam”, also mother happiness is own happiness. Self-help book often focus on popular psychology such as romantic relationships or aspect of the mind and human behavior which believers in self-help feel can be controlled with effort. The self-help book typically advertises them as being able to increase self-awareness and performance including satisfaction with one’s life.

·        Menippean Satire: In this novel Chetan Bhagat satire on contemporary situation. In call center youth are suppressed by Boss. We find here Bossism in this novel. Bakshi is boss in that call center. Contemporary issues about work culture described in his novel. Military uncle knows problems of every characters and he gives solution to the all characters.

·        Globalization: The effect of Globalization we realize in novel. As Thomas Friedman's notion of the flat world is a reality of current time. All six characters have their own problems but they live happy life. Priyanka lives their own way, she is not worried about her mother. All six characters fall in problems and then suddenly call from God. Mobility connects them with God. We show in novel effect of Globalization.          

Blog Task: The White Tiger

Respected sir,

·        In the novel Arvind Adiga represents real India and also presented is salve mentality of Indian peoples. And also talk about the certain cash, Satire on Education System, great Socialist, Marriage, and Lesson breaking coals and also talk about the Bronze statue of Gandhi leading the people from darkness to light.  Pollution, prostitution, unemployment, poverty, dirty politics, corruption, changing morality etc. presented here.

·         Yes, I believe that Balram story is the archetype of all stories of ‘Rag to riches’. Because Balram himself narrated his situation and then level and murders his master Ashok. In this world everyone crave for more money or more facilities but main concern of the person chooses a right path for reaches this higher that he has to climb this status and for this he chooses the Path of dishonesty, or amorality. But for him it is a right way to defeat his master. So if we look at other Perspective we find he is individual thinker. He think, that it is only the path for reaches the higher level.  

·        If we pick up any word it has various contexts and language itself is very complex.  Derrida’s ‘Deconstruction’ theory we can apply in this text ‘The White Tiger’. When we find any negative word or phrase in the novel we can easily deconstruct this idea. Here in this novel Balram used the word for himself as a ‘half-baked Indian’ and in this point we can deconstruct the idea.    

The Da Vinci Code

Respected Sir,

1.  Narration of studied Paradise Lost and The Da Vinci Code, In Paradise Lost Milton wrote on Eve and Adam. Eve is responsible for fall of Adam. Paradise Lost tries to show rationally with given Eve some space. But it also decline women. We can say about ‘The Da Vinci Code’ breaks human faith with showing history of Christianity. Here Brown’s novel Da Vinci Code has all historical issues and reference strong evidence. Mary Magdalene’s role in the Bible is very short but her role in ‘The Da Vinci Code’ is rather long and important one. Brown is trying to prove that Mary Magdalene was the favorite of all the Disciples of Christ.

2. When we study all these characters then we come to know that directly or indirectly these all characters are objectified in the films. If we see the films like 'Hamlet', 'Frankenstein', and 'The Scarlet Letter' then we will find that these characters are more objectified physically and serve as the male-gaze characters. We can see vast difference in the characters of films and novels. But it is quite good that the character of Hermione is not that much objectified. Well, her character is also objectified but in more controlled way. In the later parts of the movie she becomes the reason to fight between the two important characters Harry and Ron. As compared to all these characters Sophie's portrayal of the characters is done in more fair way. As compared to these three characters the character of Hermione and Sophie is more free and open-mined. They remain companion of the male characters at the last of the journey. But still Sophie is emerging as the more strong character. In the movie also her body is not used as the object in the movie.

3. If we do an Atheist reading than Leigh Teabing can be consider as a protagonist. As he is interested in studying history of Christianity, because his character deals an idea which is also center of the novel. Robert Langdon is a follower of Christianity when at the end Langdon uncover the mystery behind the Mary Magdalene and the Holy Grail also called Sangreal. We can say that Langdon is a hero or traditional protagonist. If we can see Atheist reading point of view Sir Leigh Teabing become hero.

The Sense of an Ending

Respected Sir,

·        The phrase 'Blood Money' can have meanings like, relationship with Sarah caused Adrian's suicide. And her money is given to Tony. Their relationship damages young Adrian's life so it can be called Blood Money and Tony is cause of all damages so Veronica call his (given) money as 'Blood Money'.

·        As Sarah Ford informed Tony that “Adrian was happy in his last days” and he was with Sarah than obliviously he has given his personal things to her. She wants to give to Tony and so she think that may it possible through Veronica and she left it that’s how diary was in Veronica’s possession.

·        We know that in the novel writer doesn't tell everything in  easy way so sometimes we can’t understand what he actually wants to say to his readers. So it’s possible that Adrian felt guilty of his seen and maybe he went mad because of his guilt.  Guilt may be one of the reasons that he was hiding his identity. May be he was more guilty for making his girlfriend pregnant.

·        Veronica is the sister of Adrian, the son of Adrian and Mrs. Sarah Ford. When the secret was unfolded before the reader’s eye at that time Veronica’s character is not much explored. But yes we can say that she is related to Adrian the one suffering in care-in-the-community.

·        The novel is unfolding covers step by step so I think everything is revealed at the end but audience must have to read in multiple ways so the answer will be not clear about some mystery.

Webquest: Harry Potter

·        The theme of Love and Death:

              The theme of love and death goes on parallel. If human love each other and hate each other. Because,
                   “It is within YOU”
        Love is the significant theme in Harry Potter series. Harry loved all, and was loved by all.
Lily Potter: Harry, you are so loved, so good (whispering) Harry, mamma loves you. Dad loves you, harry be safe, be strong.
For Example:
Siblly: “I want to die”
                The quest for immorality.
“Calmness itself symbolic one”
         We can defined that Voldemort wish for love don’t wish for death. But he has not won the love with anybody and he didn’t win the death. Voldemort think that I have power and I win the death but at last he doesn’t want to death. 

·        Power and politics in Harry Potter:

There is presence of power and politics in film. This movie based on ideal person that is Howard (School of magic). It is not like great magician alive but it depends on struggle and faces the problem. Hierarchical structure used as a fear mechanism in whole movie. Rather than equality, equity becomes more impotent.  I think in America there is not superiority in people but they have that kind of feelings for other as for black. Only power can’t work but there is the need of knowledge to sustain with power. Sometimes the time come power can’t work as Dumbledore die.

Self-Assessment of this blog:-

Overall Visual Appeal- 2

Navigation & Flow- 2

Mechanical Aspects-1

Motivational Effectiveness of Introduction- 2

Cognitive Effectiveness of the Introduction-1

Connection of Task to Standards- 3

Cognitive Level of the Task- 2

Clarity of Process -3

Scaffolding of Process- 2

Richness of Process- 2

Relevance & Quantity of Resources- 1

Quality of Resources- 2

Clarity of Evaluation Criteria-2

Total Marks:- 25/50.

A Grain of Wheat by Ngugi Wa Thiongo

A GRAIN OF WHEAT

                             -Ngugi Wa Thiongo

                   A Grain of Wheat is considered one of Kenyan author Ngugi WA Thiongo’s greatest literacy achievements. The novel's narrative focuses on the individual, with time given to Mugo, Mumbi, Gikonyo, Karanja, Kihika, and even minor characters like General R and Koina. Individual stories are significant, especially Mumbi's, as they facilitate greater growth for the self and for the community. As for that community, it is also Ngugi's focus, and one that has attracted a large amount of critical writing discussing whether or not he successfully managed to convey the struggles of the masses at the same time as he relayed the individuals' tales. Indeed, some of the individual characters seem as if they are thinly drawn in order to promote the understanding that they are merely part of the Kenyan people as a whole, and when individuals do make choices for themselves those choices reverberate back through the community.

                   When the British colonizers come to Kenya, they strengthen their hold on the territory by building a great railroad. Waiyaki and other warrior leaders took up arms against this imposition, but they were defeated. Most Kenyans gradually learn to make accommodations with the new regime, though the seeds of revolution spread underground in “the Movement,” known to the British as Mau.

                   Among the younger generation are Gikonyo, a well-known carpenter in the village of Thabai, and Mumbi, his wife and one of the most beautiful women in the area. They listen as one of their peers, Kihika, speak before a large crowd and encourages guerrilla warfare against the British. Mugo also listens, but, unlike Gikonyo and Mumbi, he hates what Kihika says. Mugo thinks native Kenyans have no chance of successfully opposing the British, and he decides to do his job quietly and succeed in the new order of things. Karanja, who unsuccessfully sought the hand of Mumbi, feels even more strongly that the best policy is to accept the British as invincible.

                   Before long, Kihika disappears into the forest with many other young men who arm themselves. A year later, their most successful raid is the capture of the Mahee police post; this infuriates the British. They declare a state of emergency and imprison many of the young men of Thabai, including Gikonyo. Even Mugo is arrested for intervening when a woman is being beaten. Despite the efforts by the British to quell the Kenyan resistance, the violence continues, and District Officer Thomas Robson is assassinated.

                   Mugo is taken to Rira camp, where John Thompson is the warden. Though Mugo respects the British, in these circumstances he feels unjustly accused and refuses to cooperate. He begins to get a reputation among the other detainees as an inspiration to courage. Mugo does nothing to justify their hopes, but he does feel vague and grandiose religious impulses and begins to see himself as a possible messiah for his people. Finally, there is an uprising in which Mugo plays no part, and twenty-one prisoners are killed. This episode places a blot on Thompson’s career, the British believing...

                   Almost every character feels guilty about something in this novel, and those sources of guilt tend to derive from a betrayal of another character or of the Kenyan people. Mumbi has betrayed her husband, Karanja has betrayed his people by becoming a home guard and Chief, and Mugo has betrayed Kihika. These characters manifest their guilt differently, with both Mumbi and Mugo eventually taking the path toward redemption while Karanja can only choose that of exile. Mumbi and Mugo's redemption comes from open confession of their sin and a willingness to accept the consequences. Mumbi's also comes from being true to herself and regaining control of her life; she will be able to live out those choices, whereas Mugo's fate is death. Nevertheless, Mugo's death offers redemption to the community as a whole.

                  

Harry Potter and The Deathly Hallows by J.K. Rowling

HARRY POTTER and THE DEATHLY HALLOWS

                                                -J.K. Rowling

                   The Deathly Hallows is the seventh and final installment of the Harry Potter franchise (excluding Harry Potter and the Cursed Child) written by J. K. Rowling. It's a phenomenal conclusion to this epic saga, and was published by Bloomsbury Publishing Company on July 21, 2007. The novel was released in over 93 countries worldwide, and translated into more than 120 languages. Rowling finished writing the book in January of the year of release and has declared it to be her favorite book in the series. Additionally, Rowling stated that this conclusion to the thrilling series has long been anticipated, right from the start, putting an incredible end to an equally incredible series.

                   The main plot consists of Harry, Ron, and Hermione on a quest to destroy the dark wizard Lord Voldemort, aka "he who must not be named", by attempting to destroy the 7 pieces of his soul without his knowledge. He split his soul through methods of murder, which was further explained in The Half-Blood Prince. Continuing the search for horcruxes first mentioned in the sixth Harry Potter book, the story presents an intriguing and exciting journey with higher stakes than ever that defies all odds. At the start of the seventh novel, only two horcruxes had already been destroyed. The first was Tom Riddle's diary. This was destroyed by none other than Harry himself in the second novel, The Chamber of Secrets. The other was the resurrection stone, which was actually one of the deathly, hallows.

                   The title "Deathly Hallows" has a central part to play, but also a mysterious, well hidden one. The items commonly referred to as the deathly hallows are the set of mythical objects created by death itself in The Tale of the Three Brothers; the Elder wand, resurrection stone, and invisibility cloak. Hermione reads the story from her storybook given to her by Dumbledore in his will: The Tales of Beetle the Bard. They are very important, for they are very powerful. The Elder Wand was said to be the most powerful wand of all time. For this reason, Voldemort hunts for it excessively in an attempt to gain ultimate power. So, Harry has to hunt it down as well, and try to find it before Voldemort does. Harry actually had the invisibility cloak since the first book of the series, and the resurrection stone was a horcrux unexplainably destroyed by Dumbledore. All of these powerful magical items play an important part in Harry's final battle.

                   Harry Potter and the Deathly Hallows is the seventh and last in the Harry Potter series. This novel follows Harry Potter and his two closest friends, Ron Weasley and Hermione Granger on their quest to destroy the evil Lord Voldemort.

                   During the first six books, Harry and his friends have gathered knowledge of magic in their years at Hogwarts, the school for wizards. Now they are in their last year at Hogwarts and are not planning on returning. They are opting, instead, to go in search of the Horcruxes of Lord Voldemort. Horcruxes each contain some power of Voldemort, and the three believe that by finding and destroying these, they will be able to destroy Voldemort.

During this novel, Voldemort takes over the Ministry of Magic and begins his returned reign over the magical world. Evil prisoners of Azkaban, the prison for wizards, are released and replaced by those who resist Voldemort, and those who aren't pure bloods (not both parents are known wizards). Death Eaters, or followers of Voldemort are given power to do as they wish. Muggles, or those who are not wizards, are tortured and killed for the fun of it, and those who interfere are punished. People are confounded (have their minds magically controlled) into performing the will of the Death Eaters. Dementors, evil creatures typically used only to guard prisoners, are allowed into everyday areas of civilization. Life in general is depressing and scary.

Harry Potter and his friends, Hermione and Ron, end up in hiding during most of their quest. Because Voldemort is aware that Harry has a certain power when facing him that no other has, Voldemort is threatened by Harry and has made Harry the number one undesirable, or the most wanted person. Voldemort also learns of the Elder Wand, which is the most powerful wand in existence. He goes in search of this powerful wand in order to ensure victory against Harry in their next encounter.

Harry faces many obstacles in his quest. He loses his broom during his first encounter with Death Eaters and Voldemort. During his second encounter with Voldemort, Hermione breaks Harry's wand. He and his friends face the challenge of finding all the Horcurxes and finding a way of destroying those Horcurxes.

                   Harry has a tie with Voldemort that is unique only to him. He is the "boy who lived," the only one to ever survive the killing curse, sent from Voldemort, which happened when he was an infant. It is later revealed to Harry by Dumbledore that when Voldemort cast the spell to kill Harry, it backfired, and they have a part of each other within themselves. This is why Harry can hear Voldemort thoughts. Dumbledore reveals that the only way for Voldemort to die is for all the horcuxes to be destroyed, and then for Harry to be destroyed by Voldemort. Although Harry follows this advice, he does not die. He and his friends destroy all the horcuxes, and then he and Voldemort duel.

                   Voldemort has obtained the Elder Wand, but does not fully understand the art of wands. A wand chooses its master, and when its master is overpowered, it changes its alliance. Although Voldemort possesses the Elder Wand, due to a previous chain of events, Harry is master of the Elder Wand. In the end, when Voldemort casts the spell to kill Harry, the spell rebounds and kills Voldemort instead.