Discussion in class: Similarities and differences in characters
Thursday, July 29, 2010
Some time ago, our class did an activity of comparing the characters in the book with Jonas. To determine exactly how similar and different Jonas really was at least before his training. This really helped in my analysis of each character and it will be easier for me to questions during the exams that ask for comparing and contrast, as I would know how to answer and what they are looking for in this question.
I wanted to discuss this activity we did as it made me realised that there were quite significant characteristics that Jonas had whilst the other characters did not have. For example he was questioning of the rules. Although he never did go against the rules, he would silently ask why there is such a rule. When he bathed the elderly as volunteer work, he could not see why it was necessary to apologised for accidentally glimpsing at another’s body or why one has to keep covered when changing for games. Also, he wanted the stirrings back as he liked those feelings and did not exactly want to take the pill (although he did anyway). He even tried to grasp the feelings back after taking the pill, but found that they were gone and was disappointed. This shows that even though Jonas is as law-abiding as the other characters, he did questions some rules and did not understand why certain rules must be present and even wanted it go against it, like how he did not want the stirrings to go.
This was when I truly understood why Jonas was chosen to be the Receiver, other than the fact that he can receive and give memories. I think that this activity helped me discover “hidden” characteristics in Jonas’ actions that I never noticed, which will definitely help me with me gradual deeper understanding of Jonas.
--Mary HAD a little lamb--
10:54 AM
