Only in a Fairytale

Brayden Hearne

Only in a Fairytale

“I don’t believe for a moment that a perfect mate exists,” advises a grandmother to her granddaughters who are in search of a relationship. In the passages “Puce Fairy Book” by Alice Major, and “Forget Prince Charming” by June Callwood, two women express their opinionative views on relationships and how “[one] cannot expect perfection.” Both women distinctively underline the concept that a person should not expect flawlessness in a mate’s ways, but rather find positives about them and love them for who they are. Alice Major, the author of “Puce Fairy Book”, would reassure the advice June Callwood gives to her granddaughters in the article “Forget Prince Charming”.

                In the poem “Puce Fairy Book”, by Alice Major, the concept of unrealistic, fairytale expectations of ones companion is discussed. The speaker is put under pressure to live up to what her lovers’ hopes for from her, which is compared to fairytales. Her lover wants “braids of hair like ropes, stairs that only [he] could climb,” yet she responds her hair would never grow long enough. He also states how he wants a woman who has never been kissed, however “other princes had made it through [her] forest.” After multiple gestures are made to convince the speaker to adjust herself to perfection, she “declined, with thanks, [and] honor.” By performing the act of declining her love, she can endeavor to live for what she wants to, and is not pressured to conform to anothers infinite expectations.

           

            In the passage “Forget Prince Charming”, by June Callwood, the theory “that a perfect mate exists” is not very likely, and that perfection is not necessary for happiness.

The speaker is a grandmother, who gives influential advice on finding a significant other to her granddaughters. She expresses that “no human relationship is friction-free”, proposing that nobody is perfect, and we should love people for the positive aspects of them rather then what they don’t have. She even goes as far as saying that “a perfect mate…would not be a heavenly match for [her] because [she] is imperfect and [they] would clash.” The grandmother also enthuses how successful mating is not all about finding the perfect person, but finding someone that you can compromise, love and be happy with. Overall the grandmother has developed appreciation for non perfection, as provides her granddaughters on information to not have unrealistic expectations when finding a relationship.

             Alice Major, the author of "Puce Fairy Book", would justify the advice that June Callwood gives to her granddaughters in the article "Forget Prince Charming". Both Alice Major, and June Callwood, expressed that “[nobody can] expect perfection,” and that people should live for themselves. Alice Major would concur on the idea that June Callwood expresses, that in relationships imperfections are not a burden, but rather something both companions usually share. Alice would also agree the concept that “all long term couplings survive on the mutual ability to compromise,” so rather then have unattainable expectations of a significant other, the two should compromise on their expectations, and love their companion for however they decide to live their lives. Overall, Alice Major, concurs on June Callwood’s idea that people should live for themselves, and not try to live up to unrealistic expectations of others.

           

Mufasa

The blistering heat of the Nigerian summer scolded the eyes of Mufasa. The effects of dehydration protruded her face; her skin as dry as sand granules after a prolonged desert drought. Her impoverished body was a mere skeletal outline compared to the average person. On her head she wore a rag, which would simply keep her preserved from the sun. Her small, red, beady eyes were exquisite; however it was hard to be oblivious from her sorrows. The hands of the Nigerian elder looked as if a single drop of water had never come in contact with the unmaintained surface of her palms. In her mouth lie a cigarette. Draped around her body, was a lengthy, ragged up dress, which covered her like dust on the mantle of a dormant antique fireplace. Blisters looked as if strategically scattered all over her shins, as one was present almost every square inch. She wore no shoes. The calluses on the underside of her feet were rough rocky edges at the basin of a mountain.   

"We've got to get out" (Assignment #4)

     "This is it," scolded Lebron, "we've got to get out of here!"

     Joseph looked up at him and pleaded, "Please Lebron, if you try to escape our chance of parole is done for!"

     A heinous look of anger emerged on Lebrons face, as he dictated, "We must leave! These white men have tried to get me to drop the soap for the last time!"

     "They... they... they did what to you? Why haven't you mentioned this to me before," replied Joseph sympathetically to his acquaintance.

     "It's too embarrassing..."

     "Lebron please," insisted Joseph, a look of sorrow upon his face, "I could have helped you."

     "I don't need no help from no white boy!" emphasized Lebron, with a look of displeasure upon his face.

     "You can't keep letting them do this to you."

     "Exactly why I want to leave this putrid place" proclaimed Lebron, looking down at the ground in embarrassment.

     An evil smile suddenly came upon on Joshephs face as he whispered, "We can kill them you know."

     "You know," responded Lebron, "that may not be such a bad idea!"

     "What do we have to lose, we're already in here for life"

     "I'll start to sharpen my toothbrush tonight."
 
     With a sinister smirk, Joseph muttered, "I'm going to love the look on their faces next time they try their gimmicks."

A Dangerous Imagination (Assignment #1)

A Dangerous Imagination

            The demonic sound of bombs pierces my ears. Boisterous cries from the trenches soar across the battlefield as the putrid smell of rotting flesh reaches my nose. This is evil. I cannot believe my eyes. I attempt to crawl out of the deep abyss of a trench I am in, and at the top, I am severed by the array of bullets. I collapse, my body becomes a ragdoll and I make contact with the ground. Within the blink of the eye, I am now wearing a black and white jail like suit, and I have been apprehended by the Nazis. The look of terror and dismay engulf the faces of the people around me. I fall into a deep trance, looking at the razor blades of the contorted barbwire fence when I begin getting dragged off to shower with my peers. Inside the building, possessed with fear, I suddenly see a dark green gas seeping through the crevices of the walls when I close my eyes, and suddenly feel violent rumbling inside a World War II army tank. As I extend and gaze out the top port hole, I see thousands of soldiers marching in our mammoth fleet.  The sinister sound of airplanes reveals, and the German Luftwaffe appears. Nazi planes paint the sky. As I see a machine gunner coming, I close my eyes, and reappear in Japan where children are screaming in distress. Mothers have a tight grip on their children and the look of concern is present on the face of my surroundings. Tears are beading down the face of the elderly and as the screaming begins to settle, the concise sound of a large aircraft is exposed. We look up in confusion as a gigantic bomb covers the horizon like a bed sheet. Just as it is about to make its torrential destruction, I awaken from my dreamlike state in bewilderment. Mrs. Sutherland did not notice that I dozed off in history class again.

Guilty, Guilty, Guilty (Assignment #2)

Brayden Hearne
178 Arnott place
Penticton, B.C.
V2A 6W8

September 11, 2011

Jim Smith
Mayor
Smalltown, British Columbia

Dear Sir:

     I appreciate your asking of my opinion, and I must be as non partisan as I can. I must say I am dismayed by the fact that dear old Gunter Grass was the commandant at a Nazi concentration camp in Poland during WWII and directly saw the deaths of over 15,000 people. Gunter Grass has made quite the impact on our town, however, his old ways must not be overlooked. For the horrendous crimes he committed, the perpetrator must face consequences. If we let this murderer live a free life, after we already know that he destroyed the lives of thousands, we have not given the respect to the victims of the Nazi reign of power. For the reasons of satisfying the victims families, being consistent with the law, his lack of guilt, he's a danger to society, as well as for the sake of our vilage, Mr. Grass should be punished.
    
     In honor of the victims, and their families, the insidious decisions of Gunter Grass throughout his commandment at the Nazi concentration camps, punishment must be forced upon. Mr. Grass directly saw the deaths of 15,000 people, and destroyed many families. It would be a disgrace if he was able to roam free even though he was the cause of thousands a premature death. Children, women, men and elders who had so much to live for, and he unmercifully sent them all to death. In respect for the survivors, the victims, and their families, the ruthless Nazi should face reasonable punishment for his crimes.

     In order to keep a practical society and operational justice system, the laws and who they affect must be consistent. If a man who had not been mayor of our village, donated to many charities, or been a "model citizen" had been under accusation of the devastating crime, he would instantly be put in jail. What do you think would happen if it was discovered by the villagers that our own mayor is letting a sinister convict walk our streets? Gunter has faced the effects of a heavy conscience since his crimes, and therefore the reason he has tried to become a model citizen. He has been trying to give back to society for what he has done. I applaud his efforts; however nothing can make up for his felonies! Consistency is key, and he should get the same treatment as the everyday person would.

     Gunter Grass' lack of conscience proves he is not sorrowful of his previous actions. He knows that he has guilty, and he didn't turn himself him, or even acknowledge that he had done something wrong. He has been trying to make up for what he has done by donating and trying to be a good citizen, because he was an evil man in the past. If Mr.Grass was the perfect citizen, and was worthy of not facing prosecution for his treacherous deeds during WWII, he would have admitted to his wrong doings. If Mr.Grass had turned himself in, and shown some signs of remorse, then considering to dispose of the evidence may be probable.

     "Delay always breeds danger." Since you have revealed evidence that proves Mr.Grass controlled the death of thousands of humans, you never know if he will ever want to feel that power again. How do you know Gunter Grass doesn't like the control he gets when choosing how a person dies? He is a danger to our society, and we have know way of knowing if something will set him off that makes him think of how he liked being a Nazi. As portrayed in the quote "Delay always breeds danger," we can't risk the lives of our village people by letting this man of a morose past run free among our streets.

     Gunter's actions must be exposed to keep order in our village. People must find out what he did from you, rather then accidentally come accross it, and ruin the relations between the village and government. A murderer of 15,000 or more must be held accountable for his actions, and the villagers must know they are safe from his despair! You, as mayor, must not risk the accountability between you and the villagers just to save one treacherous war criminal.

      Once again, I deeply appreciate you seeking my opinion on the matters of Gunter Grass and his war crimes. However, I leave the decision to you. You will have to decide if you want to put a convict over the justice system, and the society as a whole. I must leave you with one more question however. What would you want to do with him if your family was one of the 15,000 he needinglessly slaughtered?

     









Sincerely,


John Doe

Revenge (Assignment #3)

George was alone in the stable when Curley's wife appeared in the doorway. Their eyes locked and her intent was as clear as mud. “I don’t want to beat around the bush, but I want us to break new ground.” whispered Curley’s wife. It was broad daylight and you could hear the birds singing, as George protested “You’re as cold as ice, a bottomless pit. You should just go dig yourself into a hole!” In the blink of an eye Curley’s wife had leaped like a frog right into George’s face, eye to eye, and squealed “Every rose has its thorns. You ain’t perfect either, you’re dumber then a stump!”  A flood of tears poured out of George’s eyes and he was shaking from the ground up. “I was just going out on a limb to talk to you. But I see how it is. Maybe the grass is greener on the other side.”  Curley’s wife looked heartbroken. “I…I…I’m sorry. It was just my gut reaction. You seem as hard as a rock and I just want to make ends meet between us” she apologized. As slow as molasses, Crooks’ head leaned through the stable gates and glared deep into George’s eyes. “Well I’ll be darned. I could have sworn just a split second ago you two hated each other, but I guess every dog has its day.” Curley’s wife walked up to Crooks with the swagger of an athlete and slapped him across his black as night face. With the strength of an ox, Crooks punched Curley’s wife in the face wife repeatedly until her body was as limp as a rag doll. As Crooks ran out of the stable, George picked up the broken body, and started his long trudge back to the ranch. What would he say to Curley?

     Your going to medical school to be a doctor your father demands, but what if you want to create your own future? In the film, "Dead Poets Society" directed by Peter Weir, a young boy, feeling the pressure of his families conforming views, believes that suicide is his only option. The film takes place at Welton Academy, a conventional and aristocratic boys prep school, where English teacher John Keating and his unorthodox teaching methods help inspire a group of young boys to "suck out all the marrow of life." There are numerous examples of theme present including the struggle to seize the day (Carpe Diem), the struggle to not conform, and the struggle of family pressure.

     Firstly, the theme of the film, "Dead Poets Society" is the struggles the boys of Welton Academy face to seize the day. "Carpe Diem" is the message that Mr. Keating gives the boys, which is saying he wants them to get all they can out of life. When Knox Overstreet meets Chris, a girl from another nearby school, he takes advantage of his opportunity and decides to do whatever he can to try and win her over. Also Neil had a sudden self-realisation that he wanted be an actor, and ended up getting the main role in a play. Even though his parents were greatly against him doing acting, he seized the day and did what he loved. Finally, as Mr. Keating was getting exiled from Welton Academy and collecting his personal items, Todd Anderson stood up on his desk as Mr.Keating was halfway out the door after being unjustly blamed for the death of Neil, and said "Oh captain, my captain" in admiration of his former teacher. Even though Todd might have gotten expelled for disobeying his new teacher when requested to sit down, Todd thought the time was right, and that was his only opportunity to do what he felt necessary.

     Secondly, the theme of the film, "Dead Poets Society" is the struggle individuals face to not conform. When Mr. Keating does a walking exercise during his English where he told his class to walk around the courtyard. It seemed that everyone would start walking, look around how everyone else was walking, and everyone ended up walking the same way. Although it was just walking techniques, it was still difficult to not conform to the other students. As well, even though all the other students were academic focused, Neil was all about his acting, and the Dead Poets Society. Unlike Steven Meeks, who was the most academically gifted and desired to live up to his fathers dreams, Neil cared about his happiness and well being too. Finally, and example of the struggles to not conform in the film is Todd Anderson wants to be part of the Dead Poets Society dearly, but he doesn't want to read aloud in company of the other boys. After contemplating whether to join the club or not, he decides to go ahead and join, but also stand up to the boys saying the he does not feel like reading.

     The last theme of the film, "Dead Poets Society" is the struggle Neil, a confident and extroverted young man, who faces problems with his families pressure on him to become a doctor. Upon his sudden self-realisation of his admiration of the acting industry, his father quickly denies him of anything to do with his new found love. When a young, freshly inspired young man such as Neil find an interest that they are willing to dedicate themselves to, his parents should have supported his interests instead of oppose to them. Secondly, when Neil's father insists on Neil becoming a doctor with no insight on what Neil wants to do, it puts a great deal of pressure on him to make his family proud. If Neil's father just consulted with Neil, he would have found out that Neil was very unhappy. Finally, and example of the difficulties of family pressure is after Neil's father finds out that Neil has enrolled in a play, he decides to disregard Neil's feelings and sign him up for a military school. Ultimately, Neil's fathers inconsiderate actions lead to the suicide of his son.

     The main themes of the film, "Dead Poets Society" is the struggle to seize the day, the struggle to not conform and the struggle of family pressure. The film which take place at Welton Academy prep school, investigates the conflicts the young boys of the school face in there everyday circumstances. The overall message portrayed by the movie is life is what you make of it, and it you seize up every chance you have in life, you will be successful. As one smart woman once said, "We all have two lives. The one we are given and the one we create."