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Achal

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The Invisible Man

by H.G. Wells

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Achal said: " “The Invisible Man” by H.G. Wells
“The Invisible Man” by H.G. Wells, in its fullness really embodies the idea of a mad scientist going after what he really desires. It can be compared to the likes of “Frankenstein.” The main character is a scientist n “The Invisible Man” by H.G. Wells
“The Invisible Man” by H.G. Wells, in its fullness really embodies the idea of a mad scientist going after what he really desires. It can be compared to the likes of “Frankenstein.” The main character is a scientist named Griffin, while a student came across the ability to become invisible, something that had not been accomplished by anyone. Griffin is then driven on a journey to attempt to reverse the invisibility. However, in doing so he isolates himself in an unknown town, where once his invisibility was discovered, his pathway to escape became one of malice and violence. His way to further isolate himself in turn leads him to a conflict within himself, one where he must use violence as the answer, rather than reaching out to the people. He does make one acquaintance along the way a doctor named Kemp, but when Griffin is betrayed by his only friend, he goes on a rampage. The novel is introduced in third person, and then mid-way switches to 1st person. This in a sense allows us as the readers to perceive the piece differently, as Griffin describes his experiences and from there we get caught up in a tale of horror and malice. Wells does very well to keep the edgy tone alive, in the beginning we are curious but as the invisible man became visible to the people, the thrilling aspect of the novel becomes present.
All in all I felt that Wells was trying to present an idea that has been present in society for years. Wells was trying to convey the idea of restriction on a social level; the Invisible Man was able take advantage of what he desired because he was not visible to anyone. He was so far caught up into his experiment he started lacking human emotion, and was essentially separated from society all together. Wells shows his interaction with Kemp to really let us as readers understand this separation. What Wells is trying to convey is that this separation and fanaticism did to Griffin, was that rather than looking for a source to assist him, or even an explanation, he went straight violence and terror to satisfy his ways. Now our society has stepped up and actually provided services to those who need it, but not in Well’s time.
There was nothing really uncomfortable about the novel except for the way Griffin went about doing things. He killed his own father, and for what? Science. Wells may be approaching a controversial topic, but however it very much true. Those trapped behind the walls of science or any single idea may do anything to prove its existence. Other than the violence nothing about this novel is very uncomfortable.

I would definitely recommend the novel because it does uncover many universal aspects that we should all ponder in. Corruption, self-control, and fanaticism are just a few of the themes present in Well’s horrifying novel. The whole horrific background adds on to this Invisible Man’s journey. Self-control is the most evident point of Wells and I completely agree, we should not be driven to the point where our body cannot stop our behavior, or even lead to the loss of attachment to the world. In current society homes that are torn apart or even the majority of criminals can be related to this. Instead of abandoning and isolating these people we need to help them get on their feet. ...more "

Oct 22, 2012 12:48AM · see review

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Funny in Farsi: A Memoir of Growing Up Iranian in America

by Firoozeh Dumas

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Achal said: " 1. What specific theme did the author emphasize throughout the novel? What do you think he or she is trying to get across to the reader?

Firoozeh Dumas in her novel "Funny in Farsi a Memoir of Growing up Iranian in America", constantly emphasizes the 1. What specific theme did the author emphasize throughout the novel? What do you think he or she is trying to get across to the reader?

Firoozeh Dumas in her novel "Funny in Farsi a Memoir of Growing up Iranian in America", constantly emphasizes the theme of embracing your culture and standing firmly next to it.Throughout the novel she is forced into situations where she questions how her ethnic background can blend with the American one, however she never abandons it.Throughout the entire novel her constant outreach is to her family, who preserved their Iranian culture despite the fact they live in the United States and she was able to relate back to this fact. Culture and family were her central focus as she presented each new chapter of her life, each little story showed how much she depended on the two. She was judged for her background constantly but she never abandoned her culture, and replied with full confidence. She always mentioned the fact that her father was among the first of her family to move to America and actually build a name for himself, she always looked back on it in a proud manner, thus emphasizing her cultural connection. As for her family she always was critiqued by her own family but never let that bring her down. She took the words of her family and actually made meaning of them because family was her only outlet to happiness in the United States. In an unknown land the ones closest to you are the ones who will help you and be there for you.

2. In what ways do the events in the book reveal evidence of the author's world view?

Dumas shows her views of the world through constantly comparing the two different cultures she was living in. She referred back to Iran whenever she was approached with a new obstacle in the United States. She compares her social life in Iran at the point where their family was middle class but still owned a servant, to their new lives in America. Her view of how her mother could not adapt to English was another point she made on her perspective of the world. Dumas is able to show her perspective mainly through her new start she makes in the United States. She like her father appreciated a lot of the differences that existed in the United States as opposed to Iran, widening her perspective.

3. Did certain parts of the book make you uncomfortable? If so, why did you feel that way? Did this lead to a new understanding or awareness of some aspect of your life you might now have though about before?

No, no parts of this book made me uncomfortable. Dumas constantly uses humor to keep her story flowing, but also conveying the messages she wants the audience to see. Dumas cleverly combines a story of cultural differences by including instances and examples from her life that makes the audience laugh. For example, her connection to the "F Word", conveys a really strong message at the same time is humorous. I can connect back to Dumas on so many of these occasions, my family also immigrated to the United States and many of these experiences she mentions have a strong resemblance to mine. At the time of the situation you may think it's serious but, when you look back on it as Dumas did they are to be taken far lightly.

4. Do you recommend this book? (Was it recommended to you, if you liked it then give them a 'shout out')? Why or why not?

Yes, I would definitely recommend this book, just because of the fact that Dumas was able to make such a serious issue (the Iranian Revolution) into such a light case. The way she combines humor to portray her obstacles in her new life really keeps the audience hooked and wanting to know more. This book was not recommended to me but, I would give this book a shout out because I can connect so much of my cultural background to the instances she mentions.

5. What insights has it helped you add or realize to your own life?

I realized that even when I was young, when my parents would come to school I had always felt awkward and slightly embarrassed, due to their English. However, after I read Dumas's memoir I realized that I was just being ignorant and letting opinions get the better of me. Dumas has proved that her Iranian culture was a strong motivator in my life and I have realized my culture is something I will always embrace. ...more "

Sep 09, 2012 09:32PM · see review