Presentation on "The Twelve."

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Cry, the Beloved Country

            In Cry, the Beloved Country, Alan Paton uses religion as one of the most prominent and exemplary themes of the book. Book I shows that Stephen Kumalo and the other main characters consider God to be the most important thing in life. Paton’s examples of religion through mannerisms and conversation are crucial in the story line. The theme represents that religion was a very large part of South Africa at this time, and helps the reader understand the context and actions of the characters. In almost every chapter, there is at least one mention of God or faith that ties into the current situation of the book.

            As Stephen Kumalo goes through all the troubles and hardships that life gives to him, he always turns to God as his main solace. When he discovers the fate of his son Absalom, his faith is only strengthened. God seems to test Kumalo over and over again, but he only prevails. In Chapter 13, he is “recovered” after attending Msimangu’s sermon that he feels is directed straight to him. Paton’s descriptions of Kumalo in prayer and turning to fellow Christians display that religion is a main theme and lead point of Kumalo’s journey in Johannesburg.

            Alan Paton used a strong biblical allusion when he chose to name Stephen Kumalo’s son Absalom. In the Bible, Absalom is the son of David who is disloyal and deceitful. He causes great pain to his family by departing from his morals and becoming an awful sinner and disgrace. Just as Absalom is the Bible, Absalom in Cry, the Beloved Country betrayed his family. He left his native country for selfish reasons and ended up in a very low place with no one to turn to. Also, both Absaloms committed murder, but in completely different contexts. This allusion proves that Paton has a strong attachment to his Christianity and that he shows it throughout his writing.

            Lastly, Alan Paton demonstrates how religion clashes with government and society in South Africa. In Chapter 7, Stephen Kumalo encounters his brother John. In their conversation, Stephen brings up the Church and injustice. He powerfully argues that Bishops “speak against the laws,” and that in the church “you are not free.” Here Paton shows his view through Stephen Kumalo that while the Church is against injustice, its leaders lavish in what injustice allows. The hypocritical attitude provides proof that religion and society are always tied together in some way, especially in places with such strong hate for one another. Paton is again bringing religion in as a critical point of the story.

            So far, Alan Paton has shown his view of religion incredibly throughout Book 1. The theme has been a key factor of all the significant events and ideas that have happened. The main characters and situations regarding them revolve around their religion and morals, such as Stephen Kumalo’s faith as he encounters trials and tribulations. Paton uses allusions and many biblical terms that point to Christianity and its importance throughout his writing. 

Cry, the Beloved Country

https://www.dropbox.com/s/m9m3q129gi1u7u9/Cry%2C%20The%20Beloved%20Country%20Sophie.docx

Go Big Or Go Home

            “Sophie,” the cashier yells.

            I make my way towards the counter to receive my pumkin spice latte.  Taking a sip of what seems like heaven, I grab my briefcase and hustle out the door.  The crisp winter air hits my face.  My absolute favorite season.  Maybe because it’s the start of competition season.  I shuffle around in my purse searching for my keys,  finally locating them, I hop in and immediately turn the GPS on.  My fingers search for the keys as I type in “Kansas City Convention Center.” 

            Several hours later, it is now dark and winding roads seem endless.  I’m listening to the weather channel.  The weather man is predicting a sudden snow storm.  My speed increases, my hope is to miss the unexpected storm.  As I turn at each curve, I feel as if each one gets narrower and steeper than the one before.  I grip the steering wheel just a bit tighter.  There is now snow covering the roads. 

            Making another turn, I reach for my nearly gone latte.  Looking up, I notice a light seeping through the trees.  Might I add that this is a one way winding road.  I can’t quite make out what the light is coming from.  Before my reflexes can hit the break.  I’m face to face with radiating headlights.  Although it is practically blinding me I am transfixed with the luminous light.

            I’m suddenly taken back ten years. I’m now sitting in the car with my parents on the way to Kansas City.  The windshield wipers clean away the snow from the windshield.  Scoop…scoop… scoop.  And suddenly!       

            I slam on the breaks. Slowly coming back to reality I realize what had just taken place.  The car zooms away.  I collect myself and my latte that is now in the dashboard.

            Finally arriving at the hotel, of which is connected to the convention center.  I see dozens of cheerleaders running amongst with their hair up in rollers.  I miss these tedious preparations.

Awake bright and early I get dressed in the proper attire, grab my briefcase and head to the convention center.  I walk through one of the many sets of doors, and for a moment my whole world stops.  The music blares throughout the stadium.  I can hear the roar of the crowd when a stunt hits, this gives me chills.

I sign in, and am seated with my co-workers.  They welcome me back with much gratitude.  Time slowly ticks by… squad after squad after squad.  Each one ordinary.  Judging  is never easy.  First place has to catch my eye, and unfortunately that has not happened yet, until now.  Delta Explosion All-Stars, the team I had once been on several years ago.  Each cheerleader filed out from behind the smoke and huge black curtain, with such enthusiasm.  A tall girl amongst them, reminds me much of myself.  The team then formed a formation awaiting the music.  Sitting there watching the squad perform took me back to the very same competition. I’ll never forget it.  Nationals, the biggest competition of the year and we get to be a part of it.  As I continued to watch, more and more memories flooded back.  All the hard work and dedication it took to make it to the top.  Cheerleading is all about making every little thing perfect.  Hitting every motion, sticking every stunt, smiling like never before all while counting out the routine.   Their routine ended with an outstanding pyramid.  Perfection.           

            All teams had competed and now it was time for the award ceremony.  The most stressful part about competitions, as I remember.  Waiting hours upon hours for the judges to make the final decision.   They call all athletes out onto the big blue mat over the intercom.  So much anticipation fills the air. 

            Finally they get to our division, Junior level two.  First place goes to… and in that moment your heart completely stops, your world is silent all you can hear is the pounding of your heart…the longest pause in history…Delta Explosion All-Stars! Sigh of relief! We gather around our giant trophy and take millions of pictures and while your taking those millions of pictures all you can think about is how it all paid off and how life can’t get any better than this.  Every blood, sweat and tear shed was now worthwhile. 

           

Reading HIstory..

                My first recollections and memories of reading take me back to one very special Christmas Eve as a young child.  I recall the warmth of the fireplace and the glow of the Christmas lights twinkling through the windows, from the house next door.  As I sat on my Uncle Jerry’s lap, listening to him recite “T’was the Night Before Christmas” with great exhilaration in his voice, my mind was baffled at his ability to skim the words on each page so quickly.  I wished to be able to do the same.   The story soon came to an end and I felt like I had envisioned the story right before my very own eyes.  Meredith then bursts in with another classic Christmas story, “How the Grinch Stole Christmas.”  I had never been so mesmerized by the way they told these stories. 

A few years later AR was introduced to us (accelerated reading.) This changed my view of reading.  It was something I was forced to do.  In AR you obtain points by reading and testing your knowledge/comprehension of what you have read.  Your point goal is determined by your teacher.  If your point goal was achieved at the end of the nine weeks you would receive certificates or prizes.  You would also be recognized at the upcoming assembly.  This encouraged me to strive to excel in AR.  It was always a competition of who could get the most points in the class.  It was as if whoever won was treated like royalty, much respect was given.  This to my classmates and I back then was major. Although this program was time consuming, it formed me into a higher level reader.

                With most all of my family being English teachers or college professors, reading played a huge role their lives and would most likely be forced upon me.  However growing up in the midst of my wordy family I grew to enjoy books.  I was fascinated with the world that books took you to.  It was always an adventure, an escape from reality. 

                Now that we do not do AR, I read for fun.  Being the typical girl that I am, my favorite genre of books would have to be romance.   I love reading about love and relationships.   However a good mystery book is good every now and then. 

                I am really thankful for what reading and writing has taught me.  Without it where would we be?  Reading opens up a whole new world full of excitement. 

               

I Am Bubbly And Curious

I am bubbly and curious
I wonder when God will return to earth
I hear my name being called in the ocean waves
I see him in the horizon of the Earth
I want to someday meet you
I am bubbly and curious

I pretend of nothing because I know your there
I feel so close to you but yet so far away
I worry about what eternity means
I cry out to you in times of despair
I am bubbly and curious

I understand your words
I say your name often\
I dream of what it will be like to be in your presence
I try to be more like you
I hope to be a light for others
I am bubbly and Curious

Dont judge a book by its cover.

                     Don't Judge a Book By It's Cover.
                       
                     Could it be a fallen angel?  When such a remarkable creature comes into the lives of Pelayo and Elisenda's, their world was turned upside down.  While Pelayo is doing his chores, he notices a strange and unfamiliar man lying in the mud but get this, he has WINGS!
                       After Pelayo retrieved his wife, the two stood in aw as the mysterious old man continued to squirm and try to free himself form the quick sand like mud.
                      They kept the old man in their home until the word spread that the family had a strange creature living in their home.  They continued to care for the sick child with a high fever.  A short time after they removed the man from their home the baby was healed.  It was remarkable in such little amount of time!  This relates to the bible.  God works in mysterious ways, he heals the sick!
                      I also believe that the villagers feared him.  The people thought he was absolutly crazy.  In the bible it says we should fear God. He has unbelievable powers.  The townspeople tormneted and ridiculed the old man.  They treated him like a "circus clown."  Much like how people treated  Jesus.  They though he was crazy for his beliefs.