Jasper Tian > Recent Status Updates

Eilis didn’t want to return, since she’s very comfortable in Enniscorthy now, with a job and friends. I think Jim is very different from Tony, with an introverted mind, and doesn’t express his true feelings. I remember that Eilis’s mother didn’t like Jim and his family in part one, but now she’s obsessed with his new house. This makes me think that she cares about social status and encourages Eilis to marry him.

I read a lot last night because of those interesting events in the book, such as Eilis’s secret marriage with Tony, and her return to Ireland. I don’t understand why Eilis’s mother expresses such sadness that she even ignores Eilis’s sharing of Brooklyn, unlike my mom, especially since Eilis’s story is attractive and meaningful enough. She must have a complex feeling about Rose’s Death and the future.

It feels terrible when I read that Rose was dead without any warning. This reminds me that before Eilis went to Brooklyn, she wondered if the wrong sister was going. Obviously, Rose is more mature and holds a great deal of responsibility in this family. For me, it’s a pity that she didn’t have the resources and opportunity Eilis had. I’m looking forward to seeing how Eilis’s life will going in the next 80 pages.

Tony appeared in Eilis’s life as the first boy character she met in the US, which is very memorable as it was halfway through the book. Since I’ve read the cover before, I’m looking forward to seeing how their relationship will go. By the way, I’m wondering why Toibin put a new roommate, Dolores, in the story, who everyone dislikes her. Maybe she might take a part later in the story to save Eilis?

The book now reminds us that it happened after World War II, with multiple events, such as the background information about Mr. Rosenblum, which led both Eilis and me to question what happened to him. Also, Black people’s moving in let me connected it to my history class, more specifically, recent sections about racisms. Overall, I’m looking forward to reading more about the story.

I learned the style of “Show, don’t tell” in my PEAKS class, and I’ve found a lot in this book that uses this form. For example, “so that the whole house would hear her” represents Eilis’s disappointment; “with their heads bowed” reflects the cold weather on the street. These were impressive and vivid, and I can imagine the whole story in Brooklyn, especially since I’ve been there, in my mind.

I feel sad about Eilis’s homesickness, especially in the past when there were no phones or social media. I’m worried about her future, and I hope Father Flood can deal with that. Also, I’m confused that Miss Fortini claimed Eilis “crossed” Mr. Barcotti. It makes no sense to me just because of her lack of passion, and makes this a thing that Mr. Barcotti will never forget.

The Nylon is extremely popular in the store, pulling Eilis all day into the work. This is one difference between Brooklyn and her home in Ireland: the population. On the other hand, when Eilis presents the pair of stockings to Mrs. Kehoe, the old woman doesn’t seem to understand that it’s a gift and is willing to pay for it. I think that’s because it’s too costly in her view, or a difference of mindset between them.

At the start of the book, I feel like Eilis is very fortunate, having received so much help from around, which enables her to settle down in Brooklyn conveniently. Between chapters, Toibin doesn’t directly show how Eilis felt when she first arrived, but when she commutes from her apartment to work after 3 weeks. I think Toibin wants to make a contrast and combine her first feeling and her understanding.

I love the moment when Dex and Mosscap sit together and see the sun set, feeling glad that they no longer have conflicts and misunderstandings with each other. Also, the cricket appears again, corresponding to how they met. I like the whole tone of this book, calm and relaxing, really feel comfortable when I read this before bed.

In class, we talked about whether Mosscap has emotions or feelings. I stated that Mosscap, like the AI nowadays, may pretend it has feelings and takes care of Dex. The moment of the Hermitage definitely supports my point, when Mosscap keeps asking about Dex's memory and reactions. I can see the changes in Mosscap’s learning how to be closer to humans.

Reading a few pages, I observed a huge difference between humans’ and robots' thinking processes, when Dex and Mosscap treated different on getting water resources and who should carry a tank. Dex are emotional and cautious, while Mosscap is rational but brave. I feel like their journey together will definitely change some parts of their personality, maybe even complement or switch. Overall, this plot is attractive.

It’s good to have a buddy walking with you, not only for protection but when you want to know each other more. I feel like the time Dex spent with Mosscap will definitely create a new era between humans and robots, as both groups begin to have connections again. Also, I’m curious about how robots taste the food and drinks when Mossacap suggests to refill water. I really would like to know more about how they works.

Dex has made some large progress on their tea monk services, which is satisfactory. Their experience with cloud crickets makes me reflective, like I often wonder about the ceiling in a class, getting bored about the textbook. The story up to now is very smooth and calm, not surprising, until the robot’s existence really catches my attention. And I would like to read more tomorrow.

I feel like Dex is very adventurous and determined in their decision in the book. They just have the mind to be free and travel around the Panga in their wagon. It’s hard to predict what they’ll encounter after the robot has lived apart from humans, while they just left their job and learn to be a new tea monk step by step.

I can feel the change that happened to Changez when he was wondering about his identity. He’s fighting against the US at the end, contrasting with this favor at the Beginning of his Princeton life. I always have the opinion that international students can directly learn the difference between their own countries and the US through experience. And this book supports my idea when Changez now feel proud of his race.

It’s a relief when Changez finally finds his real focus as a "Janissary" after he met Juan-Batista. The recent situation is chaotic to him, and it’s risky to leave the company. I felt that Changez always keeps challenging himself, from Princeton, with Erica, and at work. Now that he has become mature and certain of his Pakistani identity and stands with his country, maybe he will return and start a new life.

Today in class we discussed about the Erica’s relationship with Chris, and pointed out that Chris is still taking an important part of Erica’s feelings. Through the reading afterclass, this idea was clearly proven to be even more right, as she keeps mentioning Chris when Changez is talking others. Also, I didn’t understand when Changez keeps his beard. This behavior can only deepen the stereotype of a Pakistani.

I’m very sorry about Erica’s situation right now due to the mental problem. And I really expect to see what Changez will do next, whether he will continue communicating with Erica to sustain that relationship, or flying back to Pakistan. The business in the US is hard for him, and he still keep a strong connection with his country.

I felt Underwood Samson’s situation symbolized the US’s situation in the world. The cable company keeps disrupting tasks for Changez and his colleagues, like the 911 attacker or Afghanistan. The arbitration also seems like the US’s fight back against the Middle East. And in this chapter, I feel that Changez’s attitude toward the US changes due to patriotism and Jim's meritocracy, excited about the next.

I felt worried about Changez’s future. The patriotism after 911 was gradually pushing his life to the edge, and the Pakistani family was leaving the elite too. I would be desperate if I were Changez because nobody would consider him a part of the country. In addition, I felt that his relationship with Erica would fail because she always misses her ex and only sees Changez as a close friend with an exotic culture.