beauty and hope 12/20/2012

              Harwinder Kaur

              Date 12/19/2012

               Eng 095

               Professor: waite

   Beauty and Hope in the story ‘Say You’re One Of Them’

The book “Say You’re One Of Them” portrait the reality of the Genocide lived in Rwanda on 1994. In fact all of those stories are fictitious, and the author’s main point was to get into the audience to make them and the world understand what was going on, followed by the genocide like children being sold for slavery and so on. Even though all the events took place in war-torn with all the tragedies, it is possible to see some moments of beauty and hope as well on the stories.

Moments of beauty can be seen when Monique’s mother chose to give her life for her children. That was an extremely tense and abnormal situation in which the Lizard made pressure on Monique’s father to kill her mom. It was a big moment in which we can see how much a mother care for her children. She knew that for her children to be alive one had to die. So she asked his husband to kill her.

In addition, we can see beauty by the moment Fofo tried to break the deal between him and Big Guy in terms of selling those two children. Fofo tricked Big Guy by the moment they were in the small house ready for making the trip toward Gabon. Fofo got the two kids on the Nanfung and tried to flee with them but he was caught.

At last I would say that the children may be seen as hope. Children are strongly emphasized on both of the stories and are the ones who seem to be suffering more. They may symbolize the hope of one Rwanda without war; genocide and brotherhood between those called Hutu, or Tutsi.

To sum up I should say that although the book was made up of lots of tragedies and sad stories, it is possible to find some sort of beauty and hope. Like the moment when a mother decided to die in order to save her children. Beauty in the moment Fofo tried to flee with the children in order to protect them. At last and not less important, the children that quite represent hope.

what i learned from this book..12/20/2012

Harwinder Kaur

Date 12/12/2012

Writing 095

              The book titled “Say you’re one of them” is an amazing book to read. It has been written in such a manner that it grabs reader’s attention. It is a compilation of many short stories with a meaningful message at the end of each story. I was fascinated with the moral message that was delivered in this book. One of my favorite chapters was “Fattening for Gabon”.It was a story about selling kids for money. It was a heart touching story which made me think that people can be so money minded and materialistic. The book was so interesting that the time flew by while reading it. However there were moments in the book which brought a tear into my eye. I was deeply touched by such instances. The book also encouraged me to take a step forward and make a difference in this direction and help such children.

My overall experience of reading this book was great. In future I would be interested in reading books with such issues.

Revision of essay 12/20/2012

Harwinder Kaur

Date: 12/21/12

English 095

            Describe the way that neighbors are characterized in Say You’re One of Them (e.g. what is their role? What are the relationships between neighbors like? Why are these relationships sometimes difficult?). Now, compare these descriptions to your own experience with neighbors. Based on the text and your own experience, answer the following question: What are the characteristics of a good Neighbor?

            In the story, Say You’re One of Them, by Uwem Akpan, there are many ways to play the role of a good neighbor. Most of the neighbors were inhumane, but some are greedy. In the story, there are two characteristics that described a neighbor. The first is humanity.

            Humanity can be described as kindness. For example, the chapter “Fattening For Gabson,” the “Big Guy” brought plenty of food and drinks to his church on Thanksgiving Day. While he was there, he served the hungry children that starved for many days. His humanity towards the children showed that he cared a great deal.

            Greed is the act of wanting more than you desire. It can lead to harmful endings, or hurt someone you love. Once again in chapter, “Fattening for Gabson,” Fofokpee was being very greedy. He became helpless and poor and needed money to have a better life. Unfortunately, he takes care of his two nieces. He comes to a conclusion that he must sell his nieces for money. Although, he played with them and showed them unconditional love, he sold his nieces to Big Guy, who is a rich man.

            The characteristics of a good neighbor from my experience would be someone that shows kindness, is helpful, has respect, and more. I believe good neighbors open their doors to people who are in need of advice, food, and love. If a good neighbor has these great qualities, people will not only respect them, but they will enjoy being their neighbor as well.  My neighbor says “Good morning” to us every morning he sees us. Sometimes he came to my job to get some coffee, and would leave me a good tip.

            Overall, the neighbors in the novel, Say You’re One of Them, have different characteristics. The Big Guy is kind and Fofokpee is greedy. Compared to my experience living in Medford. My neighbors are similar to Big Guy. They are very kind to us. Neighbors must respect each other and learn to live comfortably with one another.