October 10, 2012
Dear Jennifer Donnelly,
I am enjoying your book, A Northern Light, thus far. In the first one-hundred pages, Mattie Gokey explains her life in the little town of North Woods during the early 1900's. She tells of her life on Pa's farm, where she plows the fields and does chores, her relationships with her friends, and her dreams. One instance where I appreciated the book is at the beginning of the book where "Uncle Vernon says Pa ought to take [his dog] out behind the barn and shoot him" (9). When I read the quote, it reminded me of Of Mice and Men by John Steinbeck. In his book, Carlson wants Candy to shoot his dog because it was old, blind, and lame, just like Barney, Pa's dog. In addition, I also wonder why Donnelly created Weaver Smith as a Black boy. The story takes place in 1906 in New York about 50 years after the abolition of slavery, but at the time, Blacks still had almost no rights. I am surprised that Weaver was hired to work at a hotel. Maybe it is to convince the reader of Mattie's innocence since she is sixteen. She treats Weaver as an equal, rather than an inferior as exhibited when Mathilda says "There's more alike than different about Weaver and me...he's exactly like me. He love's words, too, and there is nothing he would rather do than read a book" (31). Mattie has the letters Grace Brown gave her and told her to burn, so when the murder occurs, her view towards the world might change. Furthermore, the book has made me treasure my life more. I appreciate that I am expected to attend college after High School, unlike Mattie, who's father did not even want her to receive her diploma. Miss Wilcox visited Mattie's home and "after she left... I was to get my diploma even though Pa wanted me to leave school"(59). Her life is always a struggle. Mattie has to balance learning with working, so Pa will have enough help, and she will have enough time to learn. My life is a lot easier than the protagonist's, I only need to worry about school. In conclusion, Donnelly's book is certainly one that interests me so far. I am very eager to continue the reading so I can learn new words from Mattie's word of the day, and see how the murder unfolds.
Sincerely,
Alexander Ho
I think making Weaver a Black boy really helps setting the foundation for Mattie's upbringing, in a way. It shows that she is brought up in a time were segregation was still somewhat prominent, yet she still is best friends with a black boy. it sort of gives a poor, low class citizen feel to Mattie and her family, which depicts her as somewhat unfortunate and someone who has to work hard. It gives the background of a humble, low class worker with a lot of perseverance. This will probably help in showing something similar to a hero coming from poverty and working her way up to success, or something like that.
ReplyDeleteDear Alex,
ReplyDeleteThat first quote did also remind me of the novel Of Mice and Men. I agree with you there how the dog was old and blind just like Barney. Also, I believe that Donelly made Weaver African American rather than Caucasion was to set a different mood in the story. We all know how being an African American in those days was not looked upon greatly. I believe that this will set a new "foundation" if I may, of the story. Also, I do too realize that Mattie's life is in a "struggle." Her schoolwork won't help with her work at home while her work at home won't help her with her schoolwork.