Open Prompt - #1

Whenever a novel has a happy ending through some kind of spiritual reassessment or moral reconciliation, the readers generally feel glad to see the protagonist redeemed. This fact is reflected when people read the heartwarming story of Les Misérables. The author, Victor Hugo, focuses on the good, merciful aspect of human nature and writes a story about the struggles of a ex-convict, Jean Valjean, and his experiences for redemption. This masterpiece on moral reconciliation through the portrayal of the character of Valjean makes a point that humans still innately possess the qualities of philanthropy.

The ending of Les Misérables moves many readers because of their feelings of compassion towards a human who is truly trying to make a difference in the world. In the beginning of the book, Valjean is an ex-convict who just got out of prison and who cannot control his instinct to rob others for his own good. Two acts change Valjean forever. The first most obvious reason is, as many readers know, the forgiveness and kindness of the Bishop Myriel. The bishop unlike others, who reject Valjean solely on the fact that he is an ex-convict, embraces Valjean and not only offers him a place to stay, but also helps him out of trouble when Valjean is caught for robbery. He urges Valjean to embrace the ways of god and to redeem himself by helping others of need. The second act is when Valjean unintentionally steals from a young boy purely out of instinct. After he realizes what he has done, Valjean is horrified of what he has become and then vows to spend the rest of his life to others who are in need.

The rest of the story, in a simple sense, is an extension of Valjean’s struggles to redeem himself. He always acts out for the benefit of others even when those people are people who are against him, most notably Inspector Javert and the Thenardiers. To Javert, Valjean saves his life when Javert is captured by students in the uprising. To the Thenardiers, Valjean gives them huge amounts of money under the impression that they are very poor people, while in fact, they have large amounts of money due to Valjean’s generosity. In the end, Valjean dies surrounded by Marius and Cosette who are like son and daughter to him. He dies knowing that Marius and Cosette will be happy with each other and that he can finally rest in peace without any worries. Death surrounded by the people he loves most is Valjean’s final redemption and this is where the readers feel relieved. Victor Hugo writes a masterpiece of human nature and makes a point through the character of Valjean that humans innately possess the qualities of philanthropy.

Close Readings #1 - "Remembering 9/11: Reflections On Tragedy, Patriotism And Sports"

This is an editorial that reflects the authors experiences of the 9/11 terrorist attacks 10 years ago. The author talks about the impact the attacks have had in his life.

In terms of diction, the reflection is clearly to inspire patriotism for the U.S. From the beginning, the author states "We are one nation united, and we will never forget." Three words come out to me in this sentence: "one", "united", and "forget". These are all words used by the author to arouse people. It sets the tone of what the author will say for the entire editorial. The author himself is clearly proud to be an American and we can see that very clearly. "We are still Americans, and darn proud of it." In this sentence the word "darn" jumps out, as it puts emphasis on what the author is trying to say about American patriotism. Also the last two sentences when the author uses the words "God Bless" repeatedly, it gives the reader a last reminder of the purpose of the editorial. It gives us a sense of how much the author himself is thankful to be well and good while also praising that America is still a great country.

The author uses imagery extensively throughout the entire editorial. Since this is a reflection, the author provides us with a anecdote to make his point more realistic. He talks about when the attacks occured when he was in fifth grade and how he learned of the attacks. He explains, realistically, how he and his friends talked about the attacks and later tells us of how he felt when walked into his family room. As he is describing his 9/11, 10 years ago, we get the sense as if he was hit by a tidal wave called truth. Although he was not literally hit by a tidal wave, we can easily see and feel what he experienced through his use of imagery.

The author's use of details is very important in the editorial as it gives accurate examples that regular people who may read the editorial can easily relate to. When the author talks about the many ways people have tried to heal from the shocking attacks, he uses sports as a huge sign that people are "all looking for peace and searching for some sign that it was going to be alright." More specifically he talks about sports teams in the New York area, where the attacks occured, such as the Yankees, Mets, Jets, Giants. He uses these examples to make an even greater point which, I think, is the most important message in this editorial (apart from promoting patriotism): "Time simply can't heal all wounds, it can only mask the pain for a little while."

http://boston.sbnation.com/2011/9/11/2418438/september-11-2001-terrorist-attacks-we-will-never-forget