Wednesday, October 6, 2010
Torn: Upbringing of Fact vs. Desire to Imagination
In Chapter 3 (A Loophole), readers are introduced to the fact that Mr. Gradgrind in fact has children of his own; five to be exact. "They had been lectured at, from the tenderest years; coursed, like little hares. Alomost as soon as they could run alone, they had been made to run to the lecture room... No little Gradgrind have ever learnt the silly jingle, Twinkle, twinkle, little star: how I wonder what you are! No little Gradgrind had ever known wonder on the subject..." It seems that Mr.Gradgrind had also brought up his children in the same exact way of "Facts! Facts! Facts!" Essentially, Mr.Gradgrind is depriving his own children to the skills of imagination, creativity, and wonder to the world, resulting in their individual view of not only the world but also to themselves. Do you think Louisa Gradgrind, in the future/upcoming events of this book, will be able to decide between the aspects of her life that tear her apart: to obey the way of life imprinted by her father or to follow her heart of desire to actually use those tools of wonder and discovery to find out her identity? Do you think she has an adequately developed brain to decide for herself; for remember, she was only taught to live life through facts? Can this issue possibly be part of the novel's story plotline? Also, comment on what you would do in this situation.
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I, personally, believe that Louisa will be more influenced by living her life from her heart because it gives her more freedom to express herself. She can express herself through creativity, imagination, and her own interests. I believe that she will be able to decide for herself whether she wants to follow her father's footsteps or to live by her heart. I am virtually doubtless that Louisa will follow her own path as opposed to abiding her father's factual standards.
ReplyDeleteWhat is it that makes you so confident about Louisa?
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