1.5 Assignment: To Be Resilient, Or Not To Be Resilient: a Comparison Of Oedipus And Hamlet
The concept of resilience, which refers to the ability to bounce back after experiencing a difficult period, is an essential characteristic of tragic heroes. In Sophocles’ Oedipus Rex and Shakespeare’s Hamlet, the main characters experience significant suffering in their lives, yet their attitudes towards suffering are quite distinct. Oedipus is a strong character who tries to solve the problem and accept the truth, while Hamlet stays in a state of introspection and inaction. This essay will compare and contrast the two characters’ depiction of strength, specifically on how they cope with hardships, accept their places, and own up to their actions.
Resilience Amidst Adversity
Oedipus’s resilience is seen in Episode 1 when Creon tells him that the plague that is affecting Thebes is a result of the still unsolved murder of King Laius. Nonetheless, Oedipus hears this devastating news with resolve and swears to track down the murderer saying, “I pray solemnly that the slayer, whoever he is… may wear out his unblessed life.” Even when the blind prophet Tiresias accuses him of being the murderer, Oedipus does not give up his quest but rather becomes enraged and sceptical. His impulsiveness, in the beginning, shows his human side, but his determination to get to the bottom of things denotes his spirit as a king who wants to defend his subjects.
In the play Hamlet, the concept of resilience is not very apparent in the initial reaction of the protagonist, the prince of Denmark. When Hamlet is informed by the ghost of his father that Claudius is his killer, he is overwhelmed by grief and gets into a state of hesitation. While Oedipus acts as soon as he finds out the truth, Hamlet does not act to confront Claudius in like manner. Instead, he falls into introspection, “To be or not to be—that is the question” (Shakespeare, 129). Though the soliloquies enrich Hamlet’s personality, they also reveal how the protagonist fails to make decisions because of his philosophical questions.
Acceptance of Truth and Fate
The resilience of Oedipus is also well depicted in Episode 4 when the herdsman and the messenger reveal his true identity. Even though this news is horrifying to Oedipus; he has killed his father and married his mother, he does not run away from the truth. Instead, he acknowledges his part in the prophecy, saying, “All brought to pass, all true.” His willingness to blind himself and go into exile shows the great fortitude which he has in regard to the consequences of his deed. In accepting his destiny, Oedipus regains a certain control over his life even as everything unravels for him.
Hamlet, on the other hand, tries to come to terms with being an avenger. All through the play, he raises issues of morality and the truthfulness of the ghost. It is seen, when he decides to stage a play to prove the guilt of Claudius. Although this plan proves the ghost right, Hamlet’s procrastination indicates his inner struggle. Hamlet says, “There’s a divinity that shapes our ends,” meaning that he finally embraces his part (Shakespeare, 261). But, at this time, the results of his passive behaviour have led to the events that will inevitably lead to tragedy.
Responsibility and Action
Oedipus can be seen as a resilient character through his leadership by accepting the consequences of his actions. In Episode 3, Jocasta informs Oedipus of the events surrounding Laius’ death, and Oedipus starts to think that he might have the murderer. Instead of dismissing this scenario, he insists on the herdsman to be brought before him to face the charges, he has no intention of accepting a no-fault verdict. In the fifth episode, Oedipus finally gets the truth and accepts it fully, saying that he needs to spend the rest of his cursed life in exile. His loyalty to justice and his people may also be viewed as an exhibit of his leadership in the struggle.
However, Hamlet is known for his passivity and inability to take action. His behaviour towards Ophelia, for whom he accuses her of deception and his careless murder of Polonius (Shakespeare, 173) indicates his failure to face the repercussions of his actions. The procrastination on the part of Hamlet results in the unnecessary death of Polonius, Ophelia, Laertes, Gertrude, and himself. Although it is possible to find signs of the protagonist taking responsibility for the situation in the final confrontation with Claudius, the action is taken too late and thus cannot help to avert the tragedy.
Resilience in Tragedy
Oedipus and Hamlet are both tragic heroes, albeit with different ways of reacting and handling the challenges that are depicted in their respective stories. Oedipus is a typical tragic hero of ancient Greece whose fate is doomed by his own strengths and weaknesses. He fights to the bitter end for the city of Thebes and its people, sacrificing his own happiness and even his name to rid Thebes of the plague. Oedipus’ determination to seek the truth about his situation, even after warning and even when the signs pointed towards him, shows his heroic features. It is the courage to face the worst consequences of his deeds – the death of his father and the marriage with his mother, as well as the readiness to bear the consequences and blind himself and live in exile that proves Oedipus’s ability to suffer as much as possible with dignity.
On the other hand, Hamlet represents a more contemporary, far more introspective type of tragic hero. His strength resides in his intellectualism and the capability to decipher the ethical and philosophical undertones of vengeance and retribution. However, this self-analysis hampers him to a great extent as he suffers from an inability to act promptly. The character of Hamlet is characterised by an inability to act because of his inner turmoil and his fear of the consequences of his actions which lead to the deaths of Polonius, Ophelia, and Laertes. The characteristics of Hamlet, especially the reflective nature, work to the film’s advantage in giving depth to the emotions, although it weakens his resilience because the lack of action results in a tragic ending.
Conclusion
In comparing the two main characters of Oedipus and Hamlet, it is evident that Oedipus is the more resilient of the two due to his actions and acceptance of the truth. His determination and willingness to face the consequences of his actions are quite the opposite of Hamlet’s passive nature and hesitation. Although both characters reveal much about the human spirit’s ability to overcome adversity, Oedipus remains the more resilient of the two due to his pursuit of justice and the acceptance of responsibility. Their stories show that resilience is not only the ability to withstand adversity but also the ability to face it with honor.
References
Sophocles. Oedipus Rex. Translated by Robert Fagles, Penguin Classics, 1984.
Shakespeare, William. Hamlet. Edited by Barbara A. Mowat and Paul Werstine, Folger Shakespeare Library, 1992.
2.3 ASSIGNMENT: THE POWER OF WORDS
| Analysis Prompt | Poem Title: I Lost My Talk | Poem Title: I, Too |
| What can you learn from the title of the poem? | The title captures the idea of the speaker being silenced by assimilation and suggests that the speaker wants it back. | The title affirms the speaker’s position in society and claims that America is a country accepting of all individuals. |
| Identify and explain poetic devices in the poem. | – Imagery: The symbol “The scrambled ballad” represents the cultural confusion.- Repetition: “I speak like you…” emphasizes assimilation. | – Symbolism: “The kitchen” symbolises rejection. – Tone: Positive and rebellious, embodying the essence of hope and strength. |
| How are the words arranged? What is the effect on the reader? | Brief and choppy sentences depict the sense of loss and regaining, thus giving the piece an emotional and contemplative mood. | The conversational and declarative lines of the poem make it almost forceful, what the speaker is hopeful and defiant. |
| What is the theme or main idea of your poem? How do you know? | The theme is cultural imperialism and the speaker’s process of self-identification. This is the essential message of the repeated plea to “find my talk.” | The theme is racial equality and self-assertion. The speaker’s belief of being “at the table” shows an optimism for inclusion and togetherness. |
| What image or line from the poem stood out to you? Explain. | “Let me find my talk so I can teach you about me” was notable for its passionate cry for identity and learning. | “Tomorrow, I’ll be at the table” represents as a clear and strong message of the future plans of the speaker to gain equality. |
| If you could ask the poet a question, what might it be? Why are you asking that question? | In what way did your time at Shubenacadie School influence your path to regaining your Mi’kmaw identity? I want to know the real life application. | What do you think America would do to this declaration of equality? I want to know how the society was during the time of Hughes. |
| Do you notice the poet’s gender reflected in their writing? | Yes, the use of the phrase ‘a little girl’ underscores the subjective and gendered dimension of cultural erasure. | No, the poem is rather more concerned with race and equity than with gender, and the theme is more about community than personal experience. |
| Do you notice any other part of the poet’s intersectionality reflected in their writing? | The author’s Indigenous background is prominent, with the themes of assimilation and the need to restore the native identity. | The Black identity of the poet is highlighted through themes of race oppression and fight against injustice, resistance to erasure. |
| How does the poet comment on resilience in this poem? | The poet focuses on the idea of strength through the speaker’s desire to regain their identity and express their culture. | The concept of resilience is evident in the act of defiance by the speaker, belief in equality and optimism for inclusion in the society in the future. |
Blog Post: “I, Too” by Langston Hughes—A Timeless Anthem of Resilience
| Blog Post: “I, Too” by Langston Hughes—A Timeless Anthem of Resilience | |
| IntroductionLangston Hughes’ poem I, Too is a poem of defiance and optimism in the midst of oppression of black people. Published during the Harlem renaissance, this poem portrays the fight for equality in America as well as the value of the black people’s voice. These make it a classic piece of work that will always find an audience with readers of any age. | |
| What is the Meaning of the Poem?In essence, I, Too is an affirmation of the fight against racism. Hughes uses the metaphor of being sent to “eat in the kitchen” to refer to segregation as well as to the restriction from the freedom that is a part of American life that is reserved only for white people. Nevertheless, the speaker does not agree to accept such treatment as final. Instead, they hope for the future in which they would be ‘seated at the table’ and their input would be acknowledged.The poem emphasizes self-worth and resilience, with the speaker asserting their identity: “I, too, am America.” This short and powerful message tells readers that America is strongest when all of its people are included. | |
| How Does Hughes Build the Poem’s Meaning?Hughes uses simple language and very informal diction in order to ensure that the message of the poem is easily understood by the reader. Thus, the organization of the text closely corresponds to the arc of the speaker’s narrative: from enclosure to enfranchisement.Opening Line: The poem commences with the words “I, too, sing America” a Declaration of Affirmation.Segregation Symbolism: The next stanza brings in the metaphor of being sent to ‘eat in the kitchen’, which is a reference to segregation.Resilience and Growth: The laughter and strength of the speaker in the face of adversity are a sign of strength. The line “Tomorrow, I’ll be at the table” is inspirational and motivational.Shame and Recognition: Hughes anticipates a point when tyrants will be made to hang their heads in shame, and the audience cannot fail to see the beauty in the speaker.At the end, using the phrase “I, too, am America” the author strengthens the idea of the inalienable rights of black people. | |
| Is the Poem Relevant and Timeless?Absolutely. The themes of I, Too—race equality, the spirit of the people, and inclusion are as applicable today as they were during the time of Hughes. The poem is set at a time when the world is still to this day fighting racism and social injustice making it a continual message for justice. The work thus speaks to people’s endurance and ability of expecting the better in the future. | |
| ConclusionThis is why I, Too by Langston Hughes is more than just a piece of writing; it is a piece of activism, an anthem for the oppressed. The lesson remains relevant to this day and tells people to accept others and struggle for the acceptance and appreciation of all individuals. As Hughes notes, America is not America without the voices of all its citizens. | |
3.4 ASSIGNMENT: CHOOSING LENSES
Introduction
The concept of resilience, the capacity to cope and withstand stress, is a major concern in Arthur Miller’s Death of a Salesman. The play shows Willy Loman, a failed salesman, who dies chasing the American Dream and failure of being a man. The psychological and socio-economic paradigms are employed to understand how personal weaknesses and social constraints and opportunities define strength in the play. The element of Willy’s madness in combination with economic problems shows the world as a place where dreams and reality collide. Miller uses the characters and their struggles to comment on society and the ways in which people cope when their individual and collective dreams are at odds with the world’s expectations, making the play a relevant piece on the human condition.
Psychological Lens
Death of a Salesman shows Willy Loman, a man whose psychological weakness is a clear example of how the ability to bounce back fails when one has not achieved their dreams and is a failure as an individual. Willy’s adherence to the ideology of the American Dream, which links success with financial prosperity and glamour, leads to his emotional conflict. It is his attachment to past victories and failures that is depicted through his flashbacks which show him becoming more and more insane. For instance, when Willy talks to his brother Ben, he is able to see that Willy is thirsting for approval and money as he frequently questions Ben, “What’s the matter?” How did you do it?” (Miller). These scenes show how Willy is unable to balance between dream and reality.
Psychological problems of the main character are reflected in the family sphere of the hero. Biff’s disappointment in his father is due to learning about Willy’s affair which projects him as Biff’s role model. Biff’s emotional confrontation with Willy at the play’s climax highlights the tension between their realities: ”I am not a leader of men, Willy and neither are you”(Miller). Unlike Willy, Linda, maintains her strength, albeit in a passive manner, by staying with Willy even as the latter declines.
However, due to Willy’s psychological state, he meets his demise. His lack of flexibility or tolerance towards his condition weakens his and makes him take his life. This shows how professional and personal hopes and dreams can be destructive and how the Oscars symbolise the struggle for success as well as human frailty. This paper is going to analyze how Death of a Salesman captures how psychological factors that lead to the weakening of one’s ability to cope up with stress especially when one is dependent on the success that he or she cannot achieve.
Socio-Economic Lens
In the play Death of a Salesman, the idea of the American dream and the hardships that come with it show the fragility of the human spirit in a society that measures success in terms of wealth. Willy Loman’s obsession with the American Dream that encompasses wealth, status, and popularity leads him to continuously strive for success while ignoring the actual state of affairs. His income is commission-based meaning that he cannot guarantee an income to cater for his family needs at any one time. The undeclared and accumulating unpaid bills that are mentioned a number of times in the play symbolise the pecuniary problems of the family. Linda’s line, “I made the last payment on the house today… and there’ll be nobody home,” encapsulates the irony of their plight: Gardner seems to only interest herself in achieving a material outcome at the later part of the play after Willy’s demise (Miller).
Willy’s lack of financial solvency is a source of psychological demoralization for him and his family. Biff and Happy receive the disappointment of their father’s dreams but find it difficult to succeed as opposed to the world. Thus, for Biff, Willy’s ideals, which are unattainable, cause him to rebel against the idea of defining success by one’s career. Happy however, intensifies Willy’s bad dream as he offers to ‘carry on’ with the dreams of his father even if they are disastrous.
The social and economic forces of the world of competitive, consumerist, capitalist America only serve to contribute to Willy’s deterioration and build a cycle of failure. His inability to change and embrace new orientations to success exposes how social pressures affect individuals and families thus reducing the importance of resilience in such a system.
Convergence of the Two Lenses
Willy’s psychological problems and his socio-economic challenges depicted in Death of a Salesman paint a picture of a man struggling to survive. Willy’s mental instability is more compounded by the fact that the American Dream has eluded him and he is broke. A case in point is his firing by Howard which is a perfect storm of these forces. Despite years of service, Willy is dismissed without empathy or support, leaving him shattered and questioning his worth: “You cannot have the orange and then discard the peel; a man is not a piece of fruit!”(Miller). This scene embodies the two aspects of the deterioration of his self-esteem, and his failure in the eyes of the society.
Willy’s choice of going for life insurance as a solution to his financial problems serves to show how these pressures build on each other. Sure that his death is much more important than his life he exclaims: “A man is worth more dead than alive” (Miller). This unfortunate decision shows the effects of psychological vulnerability and the uncompromising social and economic conditions.
In the end, these crossways of forces weaken Willy’s spirit and he cannot find a way to change or to look for other ways to face the situation. In Death of a Salesman Miller shows how both the internal and external pressures can overcome the most optimistic dream and presents a rather grim view of the human spirit when it is pushed to the brink.
Conclusion
In Death of a Salesman, it is not just a matter of bearing up under adversity but of understanding the psychological and social and economic reality of that adversity. Depression and poor financial status are conditions that work in a vicious cycle in the life of Willy Loman and lead to his breakdown. Miller’s portrayal of these intersecting pressures is complex, and the vulnerability of individuals who are trying to succeed in a world that offers no mercy is depicted. This makes the play relevant to any generation since it illustrates how the protagonist’s futile struggle to achieve an impossible goal portrays that resilience is not only about being strong but also about accepting the reality. The story of Willy Loman is a tragic story and looks at the life of man in his struggle.
3.3 ASSIGNMENT: THE ART OF THEMATIC PERSUASION
The Importance of the American Dream in Death of a Salesman
Introduction
In his play, Death of a Salesman, Arthur Miller captures major aspects of life and the American Dream is the most prominent. This dream of getting up early, working and making money is a good dream, but the play explains that the dream has a negative side that leads to frustration and depression. The main character of the play Willy Loman, ends up pursuing the American dream and is left with nothing but despair. It is thus a devastating critique of the values of a society which measures success in terms of financial success. To this end, this essay examines how the American Dream is the main theme of Death of a Salesman because it satirizes the American spirit, shows that the human spirit is brittle and that the desire for success is a dangerous thing.
Critique of Societal Values
The American Dream in Death of a Salesman reveals the paradoxes of the society that adheres to the values of money and fame rather than happiness. Willy Loman is a vacuum of sameness who is totally driven by the idea that if a man is well-liked, he is sure to succeed, and is willing to forfeit real achievement for the illusion of success. He idolizes figures like his brother Ben, who amassed wealth through risk-taking and luck: ”The man knew what he wanted and went out and got it!” (Miller). Willy’s admiration for these characters is thus a clear illustration of Willy’s version of success which is more of societal success and not the success that is fulfilling.
This makes Willy’s family a tense one, especially Biff who has no interest in following his father’s footsteps. Biff understands the emptiness of the American Dream and doesn’t want to follow Willy in his pursuit of it. This is when Biff comes to his senses and exclaims: “I realized what a ridiculous lie my whole life has been” referring to the American dream that has determined the lives of his family (Miller). Thus, Miller reveals the contrast of the two characters through the father-son conflict and shows how society imprisons individuals with its concept of success. The general societal problem of the pursuit of the American Dream, which is an illusion, is illustrated by the Lomans.
The Fragility of Resilience
The impossibility of achieving the American dream in Death of a Salesman shows that human durability under social strain is tenuous. Willy’s descent into madness is the result of how the drive for success can break down an individual. Willicommitment and effort have not been rewarded in the course of the play, and he is finally fired from the company he has worked for most of his life. His dismissal by Howard, a young and a successful man is a big blow to Willy’s pride and ego. “You can’t eat the orange and throw the peel away—a man is not a piece of fruit!” Willy exclaims, pleading for recognition of his humanity (Miller). This moment shows how the economy works based on productivity and not based on employees’ needs and wants, and how Willy is discarded when he is no longer productive.
Willy though is a complete opposite of Biff, he is a fragile character while Biff is a more resilient one. While Biff, on the other hand, realizes the fool’s errand that his father has set him on and decides to create his own life. He acknowledges the truth of their situation: “I am not a leader of men, Willy, and neither are you” (Miller). This is where Willy continues to hang onto the dream while Biff, who has rejected the dream, at least starts the process of establishing a new self away from his father’s vision. This contrast serves to illustrate that rather than simply persevering, resilience also means losing the toxic aspects of the self. The inability of Willy to change leads to his tragic death demonstrating how weakness of the human spirit is made worse by the social norms that advocate for accumulation of wealth.
Consequences of Unrealistic Expectations
Willy Loman’s dream of the American dream shows the effects of a shattered dream on the family. In the play, Willy has high expectations for his son Biff, dreaming through him the success that eludes him. This is because there is a clear source of tension and frustration within the family as Willy hopes for Biff to become successful while Biff cannot live up to that. The climax is reached when Biff confronts Willy saying, “We never told the truth for ten minutes in this house!” This moment of truth betrays the falsities that have kept Willy informed of the dream, and brings into the fore the negative ramifications of the pursuit of this dream.
Willy’s decision to commit suicide shows the final outcome of his failure to achieve his dreams and balance between the real world and his desires. As Willy is sure that his death will give Biff at least money to live a better life, so he kills himself in a foolish manner. His final conversation with his imagined brother Ben reveals his belief that the American Dream is worth any cost: “The jungle is dark but will be full of diamonds” as articulated by Miller. This metaphor illustrates Willy’s notion that success is the risky venture yet pleasurably fulfilling. But his death only forebodes the grief and the disappointment that is to befall his family because Biff finally gives up on the dream. The Last of the Georgian Gentlemen by Brian Friel portrays Willy’s tragic death which is a result of the society’s expectations that are not based on people’s happiness or true relationships.
Conclusion
The American Dream is the dominant theme of Death of a Salesman because it shows hoe the society is flawed, how strength is not as strong as it seems, and how dreams are unrealistic. Willy Loman’s driving need for success even when such success is unattainable is a clear indication of how a society that values the tspirational accomplishments can be destructive. Thus, Arthur Miller’s play today does not seem dated, as the modern society still struggles to find its place in the scheme of consumerism and the race for status. Through the portrayal of the Loman family, Death of a Salesman encourages the audiences to redefine the concepts of success and the importance of individualism rather than conformity. The moral of the play remains relevant to this day and acts as a beautiful lesson to never give up on oneself and to always strive for happiness in the process of accumulating wealth and achievements.
References
Miller, Arthur. Death of a Salesman. Penguin Books, 1998.
4.1 ASSIGNMENT: CALL FOR CHANGE!
The Umbrella Movement of 2014 is arguably the most significant event in the struggle for democracy in Hong Kong. Triggered by Beijing’s refusal to allow political reforms in the electoral system, the protests involved hundreds of thousands of people demanding democratic elections. This photo essay focuses on the 79-day Umbrella Movement, offering images that demonstrate the tenacity, togetherness, and perseverance of the protesters even as they confront tear gas, police force, and difficulty in their struggle for liberty and political rights.
Crowds gather at the Admiralty on September 28, 2014, marking the start of a historic movement (Anthony Kwan—Getty Images)
Admiralty was the focal point of the Umbrella Movement from September 28, 2014, when protesters took to the streets to call for a democratic election. The people of different age groups depicted the people of Hong Kong standing against Beijing’s interference in democratic changes. This peaceful assembly was the start of a 79-day protest which went viral and signified the start of the city’s contemporary pro-democracy movement.
A protester raises an umbrella amid tear gas—a defining image of the Umbrella Movement (source: Andal).
In the backdrop of the police firing tear gas to clear protesters, a single protester holds up an umbrella. This scene was used as a representation of the Umbrella Movement and the nonviolent protest and determination of the participants even when being suppressed. The umbrella, which started as a shield, became a symbol of hope and protest against tyranny in the movement against authoritarian rule.
Students like Joshua Wong lead the charge, galvanizing public support for universal suffrage (source: Guilford).
Joshua Wong, a 17-year-old student, became a prominent leader of the Umbrella Movement, particularly rallying the youth of Hong Kong and the greater population. With students being one of the most active and young voices, Wong led the fight against Beijing’s electoral system restrictions to bring the role of students into the pro-democratic movement and raise awareness of the global community to the fight for democracy in Hong Kong.
Police deploy pepper spray to disperse peaceful demonstrators (source: BBC).
The police aggravated the situation by using tear gas on the protesters, who were not even armed and were not violent. This act, which received much coverage by the media, made many people condemn and angry. Instead of deterring the movement, the use of force only strengthened the resolve of protesters, solidifying their commitment to demanding democratic reforms while amplifying global awareness of Hong Kong’s pro-democracy struggle (source: BBC).
Protesters create tent cities in the heart of Hong Kong, symbolizing resilience and solidarity (source: Tsang).
In places like Admiralty, protesters established large camps and built tents in the public domain, creating a stronghold of defiance and unity. Such encampments were indicative of the movement and its objectives and acted as a sign of unity and rebellion. They became a focal point of the protests, embodying the enduring fight for freedom and justice (source: Tsang).
Banners calling for democracy fly high, with the phrase “Stand with Hong Kong. Fight for freedom” (source: Gettyimages)
Some of the signs that the protesters carried include “Stand with Hong Kong.” The movement for ‘fight for freedom’ with its call for enfranchisement and self-determination. These banners were effective images for the movement’s slogan and gained support within the local and global community. They illuminated the protesters’ determination to fight for democracy even in the face of these obstacles.
Thus, the Umbrella Movement remains one of the key events in the process of democratization in Hong Kong and the struggle for freedom against the growing Oligarchy. The failed attempt to secure immediate political change awakened a new generation of democracy advocates and underscored the international dimension of their struggle. This photo essay shows the essence of the movement, from unity in thousands of people to the use of umbrellas and banners, which make us recall the struggle for liberty and the role of the masses.
Artist’s Statement
The subject of the Hong Kong Umbrella Movement was selected as it is a strong example of people’s non-violent stand against political suppression. The use of the umbrella as a symbol against oppression and for change worked across the world to show that the fight for democracy was an ongoing one. I wanted to tell the story of how brave citizens of a country united to fight for what they deserved.
This photo essay captures scenes from the 2014 Umbrella Movement, a 79-day pro-democracy protest that occurred in Hong Kong. A series of protests started on 26th September 2014, when students grouped under Scholarism, led by Joshua Wong together with other students, protested against a decision made by Beijing regarding the screening of candidates for Hong Kong Chief Executive elections. It continued to spread with the involvement of Occupy Central, which led to massive protests at Central, Admiralty, Mong Kok, and Causeway Bay. Nonetheless, the protesters refused to be dispersed by the police with tear gas and pepper spray, calling for fully democratic elections within the framework of the “one country, two systems.”
In shaping this assignment, the following strategies were employed to achieve the objectives of the task; (1) choosing images that captured the essence of the movement through the use of symbols such as umbrellas and banners, (2) choosing photos that depicted the size of the protests or the sacrifices made by individuals and (3) Writing captions in a chronological manner and in a manner that captures the reader’s interest.
A problem I found was finding the right images to make a difference among so many resources. To avoid this, I limited my selection to images that are interesting and relevant to the concepts of resilience and unity. Thus, through the selection and arrangement of the images, I intended to tell a story and raise awareness about the Umbrella Movement and the need to defend democracy and act as one.
References
Andal, Stephenie. “Umbrella Man: A Unique Threat to China or Symbol of Wider Change?” The Conversation, theconversation.com/umbrella-man-a-unique-threat-to-china-or-symbol-of-wider-change-35101.
Guilford, Gwynn. “Meet the Hong Kong Teenager Who’s Standing up to the Chinese Communist Party.” Quartz, 21 July 2022, qz.com/273617/meet-the-hong-kong-teenager-whos-standing-up-to-the-chinese-communist-party.
BBC News. “Hong Kong Police Use Pepper Spray in China Oath-taking Protest.” BBC News, 6 Nov. 2016, www.bbc.com/news/world-asia-37890025.
Tsang, Amie. “Hong Kong’s Tent City Takes Root.” Financial Times, 13 Feb. 2024, www.ft.com/content/09794bf2-6af9-3207-8b95-4f6bc4935a11.
4.2 ASSIGNMENT: CULMINATING PROJECT
READING JOURNAL FOR THE JAGUAR’S CHILDREN
Item No. 1: Reading Schedule For The Jaguar’s Children
| Week | Chapters/Pages to Read | Focus Areas |
| Week 1 | Chapters 1–5 (Pages 1–55) | Introduction to Héctor, César, and the tanker truck setting. Identify key themes of survival, desperation, and cultural context. |
| Week 2 | Chapters 6–10 (Pages 56–110) | Explore Héctor’s reflections on his Zapotec heritage, his relationship with César, and the socio-economic struggles in Oaxaca. |
| Week 3 | Chapters 11–15 (Pages 111–165) | Analyze Héctor’s growing desperation as conditions worsen in the truck. Examine how flashbacks reveal César’s motivations and the cultural commentary. |
| Week 4 | Chapters 16–20 (Pages 166–220) | Focus on the novel’s climax: Héctor’s resilience, the breakdown of hope, and the increasing tension. Consider the symbolism of the environment. |
| Week 5 | Chapters 21–End (Pages 221–276) | Reflect on the resolution, Héctor’s transformation, and the novel’s commentary on immigration, identity, and survival. Tie the story’s ending to overarching themes. |
Item No. 2: Reflection On Choosing The Jaguar’s Children
I selected The Jaguar’s Children because of its power to portray the themes of migration, identity, and the spirit of the main characters. The story of a man who is trapped in a tanker truck at the U.S-Mexico border provides a grounded and personal look at a current global issue. The story was supposed to reveal the difficulties and the price of migration and the struggles of people who are in search of a better life, and all those aspects are important to me.
The attention to detail that Vaillant pays to Héctor’s Zapotec background was interesting to me because it enriches the narrative with cultural and historical nuance that is rarely explored in the context of migration. The novel is both intimate and epic, designed to engage the reader both on an emotional level and on a level of the mind.
Cover Image of The Novel The Jaguar’s Children
Item No. 3: Character Development Notes
First Third of the Novel: Héctor turns out to be a rational and thoughtful character who uses the minimum available resources to stay alive and sends messages to a contact through César’s phone. It is essential for him to be Zapotec and to be faithful to César. He still has hope and responsibility even in the worst of conditions, which are easy for the reader to sympathize with.
Second Third of the Novel: Héctor has emotional and psychological problems as he loses hope in the future. César’s betrayal clouds his loyalty in the series, but reminiscing about his heritage gives him hope and determination. His introspection ranges from hopelessness to defiance, thus adding to his multi-layered personality.
Final Third of the Novel: Transformation is best depicted when Héctor’s change of character is seen when he surrenders to fate. He returns to a more subdued version of resilience, denoting communal suffering and cultural survival. His final conclusions regarding migration and structural injustices further enhance the realistic portrayal of his character and create a lasting emotional impact.
Item No. 4: Biographical And Historical Context
The Life of the Author
John Vaillant is an accomplished journalist who frequently writes about the relationship between people, their culture, and nature. His interest in social justice and the environment also benefits this novel’s depiction of the lives of the oppressed.
Image of John Vaillant.
The Time in Which the Author Was Writing
The story, written in the early 2010s, discusses immigration problems and US-Mexico border policies. Vaillant shows the risks of unauthorized entry and oppression while focusing on the migrants’ testimonies.
The Novel’s Setting and Time Period
The plot of this story takes place in the 21st century, and while the protagonist is trapped in a tanker truck, he is also remembering Oaxaca. The cultural aspect of Oaxaca bears witness to the social and economic problems of migration which has a human face.
Image of Oaxaca landscape and Zapotec culture
Item No. 5: Notes On Resilience In The Jaguar’s Children
Héctor is an example of a character who goes through many hardships in the physical aspect of the story and also in the emotional aspect, such as being kidnapped and trapped in a tanker truck with limited supplies for days. His relationship with his indigenous Zapotec roots and his family is what motivates him, especially when he keeps trying to ask for help. In this case, Héctor says, “We are not animals.” We have names. We have histories. We have voices,” says his existence and denial of being erased from society.
Resilience is the dominant concept in the novel, and it is connected with the concepts of survival, identity, and inequality. Héctor’s physical stamina matches the cultural tenacity of the indigenous Zapotec people, who have suffered oppression. The barren and harsh desert is symbolic of their fight and the message that strength comes from adversity. Vaillant’s notion of resilience is not merely about continuing to live but also about doing so with as much grace and as much humanity as possible after the disaster. Héctor’s journey shows the strengths and the weaknesses of the human spirit. It depicts the strength needed to face oppression while also celebrating its strength.
Item No. 6: Analysis Of The Jaguar’s Children Using Literary Lenses
Psychological Lens
Psychologically, the novel is best understood as portraying Héctor’s journey into isolation and fear as the Jaguar’s Children. His chain of thinking is between optimism and pessimism, and the only things that comfort him are family and heritage. He tries to send messages, which shows that he still wants to keep on living and to have contact with other people; this also shows the effects of trauma and his loneliness.
Contextual Lens
Through contextual interpretation, the novel portrays structural biases related to poverty and migration. Vaillant explains that social injustice pushes people like Héctor out of their homes and into precarious and even dangerous conditions. The folk culture of Oaxaca is reflected in the novel; the Zapotec culture is depicted as enduring even in the face of adversity. Collectively, the lenses offer a composite picture of an individual’s challenges and a community’s challenges intertwined with history.
Item No. 7: Notes On Text-To-Text Connections In The Jaguar’s Children
The Jaguar’s Children by John Vaillant is similar to many texts and media that explore the subjects of survival, identity, and oppression.
Comparison to Films
The novel resembles the film Sin Nombre (2009), which is a film based on the struggles of the migrants in their Odyssey to the United States-Mexico border. Each of them shows the impact of migration on individuals, with a focus on the struggle and strength. While Sin Nombre presents the picture of the gang and the refugee crisis, Vaillant chooses to tell the story of Héctor’s love. The tanker truck symbolizes oppression similarly to the scenes with a train in Sin Nombre, as an example of the problems that the migrants have to face.
Comparison to Poems and Songs
The poem Home by Warsan Shire echoes the helplessness of Héctor and César. The line “No one leaves home unless home is the mouth of a shark” resonates with their refugee experience because of oppression. Also, the Mexican folk song La Llorona tells of loss and yearning. Its somber tune corresponds to Héctor’s longing for Oaxaca—a land of color, traditions, and pain, which is why it is similar to the suffering of the migrants.
Comparison to Other Novels
The novel has similarities with John Steinbeck’s The Grapes of Wrath because both works describe the causes of eviction. In his novella, Steinbeck’s characters endure the hardships of the Great Depression; however, Héctor and César struggle with poverty, corruption, and the politics of the border. Both tell stories of strength and hope in the context of suffering, which reflect the price paid for oppression and discrimination.
Items No. 8 To 10: Choice Entries
No. 8: “As I read, I felt…”
When I read The Jaguar’s Children, I felt like being locked up in a confined space with no hope of escape, like what Héctor felt as he was trapped in the hot, stuffy tanker truck and hearing other migrants-’ cries. This oppressive setting reflected his despair, but his thoughts about his Zapotec origin and his family gave him a morale boost. It was something to behold how Héctor was able to hold his ground amidst such a great loss. Vaillant has also managed to convey these feelings in this work, the weakness and the power of the human spirit.
No. 9: “What do you think will happen next?”
At first, I wanted Héctor to send messages through César’s phone to organize a rescue, but it was getting worse, so the hope of rescue was fading away. Vaillant makes it seem as if there is no way people can survive and that it is not certain. I guessed the story would end tragically, which would focus on the real-life problems of migration, but I thought that Héctor’s voice would still be heard as a symbol of struggle and oppression.
No. 10: “Choose a food that represents this book and explain why.”
Corn is symbolic of The Jaguar’s Children. Maize represents Héctor’s culture, food, and survival. It is closely related to Zapotec culture, which corresponds with the novel’s concerns with endurance and identity. Héctor is shown to be strong and endure all types of conditions, like the kernels of corn and their stalks. Similar to maize, the novel is grounded in tradition yet timeless, depicting themes of endurance and heritage in a captivating story.
