A True Hero?

This book was really hard to read for me. I had to force myself to really dive in the story. They say never judge a book by its cover, but I did. I also judged the title, "A Wizard of Earthsea", this seemed rather ominous from first glance. Though I think that is the point. After our discussion in class today it was clear I was not alone in my thinking. Succinctly put by little Sara, Ged is just not a likable character.

Though just because Ged was not likable does not mean he was not a hero. It is true that he was driven by his own pride; he was selfish and perhaps overly confident. However, I would argue that over the course of the novel and through the journey he overcomes his humanly flaws one by one. Thus, leading him to his ultimate quest of embracing the dark shadow.

This is an interesting novel because we think of children’s literature as typically being lighthearted and fun. Though, this novel did not possess those qualities. There was action guiding the book but it was driven by conflict and fear.

I thought Professor McMillan brought up a good point in class today that rather than the hero overcoming the darkness in the end of the novel he embraced it. Though difficult to get into at first, this book has a redeeming message in the end. There are evils of the world that we cannot necessarily run from. Though maybe by acknowledging the darkness we can balance out our own lives, making us wholly human.

P.S. Here is a good clip from the Earthsea series where Ged and Jasper have the duel and he raises the shadow. Click Here.

A Magical World

I love reading Children's literature because it takes you to a world that doesn't typically exist in adulthood. A world where anything can and does happen. Emotions run high and action prevails but there is hardly a dull moment.

Unfortunately as we grow up and life happens, this world seems to diminish and fade into the background. We love children because they keep us young and intrigued. Society embraces fantasy books and movies like Harry Potter because it takes us away from our mundane lives and into an foreign yet surprisingly familiar world of excitement and fantasy, even if we aren't consciously doing it.

Personally, I believe this world can and does exist in real life. It's just easy to forget about it unless your a child.

I am a senior International Advertising and Public Relations Major with minors in French and Business. Sounds pretty concrete, but even in my sought-after profession, creativity is key.

I am taking this course to fulfill a writing emphasis credit but really I wanted the opportunity to take an English course to encourage myself to read, write and keep the child in me active.