harmonica-talks

[harmonica-talks]

spring showers 🌧️

[harmonica-talks]

Can we just set aside a national holiday where we do nothing but read our TBRs for a week? Pleaseeee?

[harmonica-talks]

This is literally my best study motivator and I can't believe people aren't talking about it!

Have you ever just...pretended you were them?

Hold on, let me backtrack here. To date, one of the biggest things holding me back from studying is being lazy. Sometimes there are just those days where you're absolutely totaled after school, and the last thing that you want to do is math problems. Could you lie in bed and doomscroll tumblr all day? Yeahhh...you could.

Or, you could clear your mind and visualize the thoughts of the smartest, most productive person in your class. What would they say when they came home? What would they do?

Got an idea in your head? Good! Now, I want you to pretend that you are them. Have an image in your head of what you think they're doing (Are they sitting down at their workspace? Now are they opening their notebook and taking out their pencils?) and mirror that image.

As you start to work, adopt what you think their attitude would be. Is it curious? Perhaps confident, or willing to learn? Keep the image in your head of that person working, and work in tandem with them. Approach each question with an open mind, and don't be afraid if you start to struggle. I can guarantee you, the smartest person in your class has struggled too. Perhaps they are struggling with the very same question as you! But the image in your head will persevere through the question, and so will you. Don't be afraid if you have to look over your notes again or ask for help, that's the best way to nip any confusion in the bud.

Distractions will inevitably pop up around you. But remember the principles of the person in your head. Do you see them slacking or losing focus? It's almost as if you're in a competition with them. If that person was in the room, would you still be slacking?

I'm not going to lie, this method of studying does seem a bit stalkerish, but it's worked so well for me! I'm definitely the type of person to not allow myself to lag behind the efforts of someone else, and if you are too, I hope this helps! Let me know, and happy studying!! <3

[harmonica-talks]

*drops Jane Eyre* Oh no, my feminist literature!! I dropped my feminist literature!! (I'm 6'2 btw)

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Guess who just finished Jane Eyre?? There is so much to discuss in this book, but it is absolutely 5-star worthy. The plot is so exciting, and the action scenes are well balanced with the emotional scenes! Though I usually don't read romance, it was really enlightening to watch Jane discuss her feelings so directly. Jane Eyre is one of the rare classics that really shows a woman's voice instead of relegating her to the side, which makes it so much more invigorating! If you're thinking about giving it a read, I'd say go for it.

⚡ SPOILERS AHEAD - DISCUSSION ON THE BOOK PLOT: ⚡

While reading, I noticed that Mr. Rochester was quite volatile with his emotions! I was genuinely scared that he would resort to violence at some points in the book, though he became much more placid at the end. It's an unfortunate reminder that no matter how progressive the book was for women, this was not the best time for us.

But, the book is still very feminist! If you've read a lot of classics, it's easy to notice a clear theme of women and their emotions being sidelined. However, Jane was so upfront with her emotions, which was odd for women in the mid-1800s, especially as she discussed romantic feelings so openly. Nowadays, with so many beautiful books about the experience of being a woman, it's hard to believe that this book could have ever been scandalous, but it definitely was, with its passionate language and controversial themes.

I loved how Jane actually stood up for herself, like when she refused St. John's offer of marriage. Showing a startling degree of independence for this time, Jane told St. John that she didn't love him and could not be his wife. One of the reasons, as she told the reader, is that she didn't want to be "at his side always, and always restrained, and always checked—forced to keep the fire of my nature continually low, to compel it to burn inwardly and never utter a cry, though the imprisoned flame consumed vital after vital—this would be unendurable." She knew that he would not show her love, and she wasn't going to allow herself to be restrained for the rest of her life. Very admirable!

Jane was overall an incredibly independent character. When Mr. Rochester first asked her to marry him, she repeatedly insisted that she buy her own things, not wanting to be dependent on Rochester's wealth. Near the end of the book she says something like that she is glad that she and Mr. Rochester are now equals, because she wants to help him, and does not want to be just ordered around as she would have been when he was at full health.

I also really appreciated how both she and Mr. Rochester are not good-looking. It's mentioned a lot in the book, and I find it to be honestly refreshing. So many characters in classics are made to be the peak of attractiveness, especially female characters, who are commonly expected to be perfect angels (unless they are the villains, in which case they are made hideous). This story feels just that much more real when you realize that they are not perfect, and adds a touch of personal feeling.

Can we talk about how I... kind of feel sympathy for Bertha? I understand that she was violent and had to be locked up. I mean, she tried to burn down a sleeping Mr. Rochester, and bit her own brother! Nevertheless, it must have been an unhappy existence, and caused by her very own genetics too! Did anyone else feel this way?

[harmonica-talks]

My art teacher first introduced my class to Google Arts & Culture during COVID, and I feel the need to now introduce it to you, too. Google Arts & Culture is a lovely website where one can discover thousands of different artworks from museums all over the world, and it provides resources to learn about art history. It also contains numerous articles on music, history, fashion, cultural practices, etc. You name it, and Google Arts & Culture has got it! I've learned so many interesting things on this site, especially from its Culture Weekly feature, where you can sign up and get a small slideshow on different topics in your inbox every week. It's just such an enriching website, and I wanted to make it a little less overlooked! So, if you want to learn a little something today, Google Arts & Culture is for you :)

[harmonica-talks]

If you want to have your own little main character moment, stick some earbuds in your ears and go biking while the sun sets. It's simple and free to just pedal around your block, but it's absolutely magical to experience. 🌇

[harmonica-talks]

"Please sir, can I have some more?" I cried. "No." said Charles Dickens, as he wrote the final page of Oliver Twist.

I was saddened by his reply.

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TLDR: I recommend Oliver Twist! It's a great story with interesting characters, and is a great commentary on the workhouses and crime of Dicken's time. It's also kind of funny at points! :)

~

I took much too long to fully read "Oliver Twist" by Charles Dickens, (thanks a lot, midterms!!) but best believe I was engrossed in EVERY. SINGLE. PAGE. I'd tried to read it a few years ago, to no avail, but once I picked it up again, it was as if a switch had been flipped. Though it can be a bit confusing in some parts, you come to realize that it is a well-written, exciting book, which gives us a clear view of the concerns and views of Dickens's time.

I found myself so attached to the characters, especially little Oliver Twist. Seeing him going through so much struggle, while still trying to maintain his morals made me strongly care and root for him. He went through so much hardship at such a young age, and he deserved that peaceful ending. I wished they did more with the female characters, such as Miss Maylie! She's definitely an example of the pure-white, angelic standards of women for the time, though I found myself peeking at a lot of emotional depth in some of her scenes. She and Nancy were such great foils for each other! I absolutely loved Nancy's character. Seeing a woman with so much depth is so rare in classics, and it's even rarer to see that they are not the outright villain (Madame Defarge, anyone?). Nancy deserved so much more and how her story ended was depressingly pragmatic. Seeing someone in her situation being portrayed as someone with real, human emotions and hardships is still lacking in literature today, and it is imperative that more stories like Nancy's, fictional or not, be read and discussed. I had a soft spot for the protective, grandfatherly Mr. Brownlow and the kind Mrs. Bedwin, and I actually found Fagin and his gang to be compelling characters. Doubtless, they were bad people, but between the rapport between the Artful Dodger and Charley Bates, to the crafty plans of Fagin, they were really entertaining!

One thing I really enjoyed throughout the book was the satirical, sarcastic tone that Dickens employed to mock the attitudes of the time. He notes the "generosity" and "benevolence" of the magistrates on the board of the workhouse, (ironic, since they clearly possess neither!) and uses similar language to really contrast with the actions of certain characters. It's honestly funny at some points, and makes you feel like the author understands how you feel. I also (surprisingly!) liked that the name of a chapter would tell you what would happen in it. Though these chapter names gave me many a spoiler, it was interesting to know what would happen before you read the chapter, and be able to focus more on how it happened.

One thing I absolutely did not like was the flagrant anti-Semitism aimed at Fagin. I know that this was obviously written in a time where anti-Semitism was rampant, and you can't judge books from the past based on present standards, but it's disgusting to see just how blatant Dickens's prejudice was. Though Fagin was obviously a bad person, he gets much worse treatment than other bad characters, such as Bill Sikes. Fagin is repeatedly called "the Jew" throughout the book, while people like Sikes are referred to by their names. Fagin is also given the pejorative stereotypes that are unfairly and untruthfully associated with Jewish people, as expressed by the description of his features (giving him an exaggeratedly hooked nose, referring to him as a rat) and actions (the emphasis on him hoarding money/precious things). Dickens's writing reflects the terrible dehumanization of Jewish people, which still, unfortunately, continues to this day.

Phew!! This was a long review, and I still have so many more opinions. If you have any questions or comments, be sure to let me know, or drop in your viewpoint if you've read Oliver Twist too!

⚡ SPOILERS AHEAD - DISCUSSION ON THE BOOK PLOT: ⚡

Did anyone else feel really empathetic for Fagin as he was In the prison cell, awaiting his execution? I agree that he needed to face the music for all the horrible things he had done over the years, but I couldn't help but feel pity for him. Seeing his formerly quick and crafty mind degrade into madness was the kind of thing that really makes you feel a sense of loss. I could also relate to how he felt trapped, and it was a bit depressing to see the downfall of someone who had been able to evade the law for so long, and who had so many plans.

Also who was rooting for Miss Maylie and Nancy to be lovers?? Because I KNOW I WASSS!! They had so much chemistry and I still can't believe Nancy had to die 😭

[harmonica-talks]

If you're going to read any book this month, read this one!! 🐁

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"The Curious Incident of the Dog in the Night-time" by Mark Haddon is the kind of hidden gem you might skip over at the bookstore, which I feel the need to change, since it's such an invigorating read! I rated it five stars, and would absolutely read it again. The book provides an enlightening perspective on how mental health can affect family dynamics, and is endearing and introspective. It contains some lovely little details, such as the fact that the chapters are all prime numbers, and the graphics that are scattered throughout the pages. I absolutely recommend!

As one reads, it's really easy to get attached to the main character, Christopher. He's an incredibly smart teenager, and likely on the autism spectrum, though it doesn't specify. His discovery of a neighborhood woman's dog in her backyard, killed by a fork, inspires him to pursue the culprit, accompanied by his pet rat, Toby. However, in doing so, he discovers a web of secrets involving his father, who takes care of him, and his mother, who is dead.

This story makes you really feel for all the characters and their complicated feelings as they try to navigate life. I enjoyed Christopher because of his bluntness and the way he observed the world around him, noting the silly/simple details that others normally missed. As a neurotypical person, it was really insightful to get a new perspective of the world through his lens. Though Christopher seems like a complicated character to decipher at times, he is a genuinely good person.

If I had to find anything negative about this book, I would say that it was the ending. While I thought the plot was very well-executed, the ending felt a little rushed, and it seemed to be wrapped up too neatly. I still enjoyed the ending, but I wished it had been expanded on more.

⚡ SPOILERS AHEAD - DISCUSSION ON THE BOOK PLOT: ⚡

Did anyone think that the mother didn't receive what she deserved? I don't believe that she deserved to be punished or anything, but she cheated on her husband, packed up, and left. I know this can be justified because she was having a hard time taking care of Christopher, and she and her husband were not having the best relationship, but it still leaves me with a bad taste in my mouth. It is definitely admirable how she let Christopher stay at her apartment after he showed up in London, and risked the things in her life, such as her job and her new husband, to help out Christopher. However, I'd like to argue that this action, while admirable, just shows her commitment issues. She leaves yet another person, her new husband, to go back to her former family, just because she's had a brief change of heart? Maybe I'm just being cynical about it. What were your opinions on the mother, and the father as well?