I am Outcast

"I am Outcast." Speak by Laurie Halse Anderson

Names seem to be an incredibly important part of this book.  So what does a "name" mean? What is the relevance of not having a "name"? What is the importance of being assigned a name compared to being assigned a description.  I

"We pass janitors painting over the sign in front of the high school.  The school board has decided that "Merryweather High - Home of the Trojans" didn't send a strong abstinence message, so they have transformed us into the Blue Devils.  Better the Devil you know than the Trojan you don't, I guess." At the very beginning of the novel the changing of names is already evident.  The school and its students become nameless, and in so, lose their identity. 

"I am Outcast." Melinda has removed her own name and now claims that she is "Outcast"; using Outcast as a name opposed to a type of person.  She embodies the Outcast.  In fact, it is not until much later in the book that we even learn her name. 

As of now, no one or nothing in the book has a name. 

Rachel Bruin is the first character given a name.  This name gives her authority over Melinda.  The name gives her power.  The name gives her memories. 

"My English teacher has no face.  She has uncombed stringy hair that droops on her shoulders... I can't decide if she had a pissed off hairdresser or is morphing into a monarch butterfly.  I call her Hairwoman."

"This eight-foot senior in front of me somehow gets three cheeseburgers, French fries, and two Ho-Hos without saying a word... I follow the Basketball Pole into the cafeteria... The Basketball Pole waves to a table of friends."

The second person in the novel to be given a name is the art teacher, Mr. Freeman.  "Mr. Freeman is ugly.  Big old grasshopper body, like a stiltwalking circus guy.  Nose like a credit card sunk between his eyes.  But he smiles at us as we file into class."  Mr. Freeman has been the only teacher to have a name.  When Melinda first introduces him, he is named - is this because she immediately recognizes as a person who sees her as a person, not an adjective?"  Mr. Freeman looks at his students not as test scores, not as rowdy teenagers, but as people.  His classroom is welcoming and the students respect him for the respect he gives. 

Directly following Art is another classroom with another nameless teacher. 

"My room belongs to an alien." At this point, Melinda discusses her room and how it was influenced by Nicole, Jessica, and Rachel - everyone else, but her.  Melinda feels like her room belongs to her past, and she is unwelcome.

"Principal Principal pauses with a look on his face like Daffy Duck's when Bugs is pulling a fast one."  Is a name given out of respect?  She obviously doesn't respect Principal Principal, but why not give him a name?

Melinda has a past with Nicole, even if they were never all that close.  Her memories of Nicole are merely the fact that she's not related to the bad memories of her old group of friends.  Nicole doesn't need a group - she can be herself.  Nicole doesn't care what others think.  "She doesn't mind changing her clothes in public.  She even changes bras, wearing one sports bra to regular class and another to gym class.  Never blushes or turns aruond to hide herself, just changes her clothes.  Must be a jock thing.  If you're that strong, you don't care if people make comments about your boobs or rear end."  Nicole is given a name because she damn well deserves one.  She doesn't care and Melinda wishes she could have her confidence. 

"Rachel is with me in the bathroom.  Edit that.  Rachelle is with me in the bathroom.  She has changed her name,  Rachelle is reclaiming her European hertiage by hanging out with foreign exchange students." Melinda's old friend doesn't exist anymore; she has become someone completely different.  It is this new name which encourages Melinda to try and make contact with her again, but it is useless.

Heather from Ohio has become a friend.  Melinda is willing to change plans because of her; Melinda is willing to help her.  Heather is allowed to be given a name.  In the case of Heather, a name represents respect, but also a power.  Heather uses the friendship and requests for Melinda to do things for her. 

All of the cheerleaders are mentioned by name.  They have the power of the school and thrive on it. The names give them power. 

Ms. Keen, Mr. Stetman, and David Petrakis are given names.  She feels sorry for Ms. Keen and Mr. Stetman.  David Petrakis is similar to Nicole.  He doesn't care about what other people think.  He is worried about his own education and what will affect it.

"I get hosed in Spanish.  'Linda' means 'pretty' in Spanish.  This is a great joke.  Mrs. Spanish Teacher calls my name.  Some stand-up comic cracks, "No, Melinda no es linda." They call me Me-no-linda for the rest of the period."

The Marthas are all about their names.  Heather wants to join so badly; she wants the title of "Martha".  Martha is even better than her own name. 

The school is changing its name yet again...

IT is the most powerful person in the book.  IT is refused a name, but given a substitute name. IT's real name cannot be spoken. IT cannot even be looked at.   The idea of calling something "it" removes gender and even species; it can even be an inanimate object.  Yet, IT is given more power than any other person in the book; Melinda is completely powerless against IT.

As soon as Melinda is forced to interract with him, the Basketball Pole is given a name.  He becomes someone that Melinda must interract with, despite her deepest desire against it.  She can get something from him. 

And another name change for the school.  These students must be so confused! Their school identity is gone. 

Hairwoman's rant on symbolism just points out the symbolism in this book.  No one is who they pretend to be. 

"Mr. Freeman has found a way aruond the authorities again.  He painted the names of all of his students on one wall of the classroom, then made a column for each week left of school.  Each week he evaluates our progress and makes a note on the board... Next to my name he's painted a question mark." 

A Great Deal of Bravery...



Harry Potter - book 1, part 3



Published with Blogger-droid v1.6.7

What if He Wasn't Chosen At All?

Harry Potter - book 1, part 2

Published with Blogger-droid v1.6.7

Stay tuned...

Recently, I have been writing my posts in a notebook... But, do not fear! I will be adding them on here within the next week.

I'm Not a Crybaby or a Telltale

• The characters do not seem believable to me.  They seem flat and predictable.  There is no depth.   
• What is wrong with their father?  Why is he so uncaring for his children?  Does he blame his children for his wife's death?
• The character of the medicine woman is interesting.  She becomes a sub-mother for the children apparently.  Looks like we won't be seeing much more of her though.  
• What is with the city that Alanna sees in her vision?
• I keep trying to relate this story to a broader perspective, but I can't.  I get the idea of a girl wishing she could be a boy, but besides this there doesn't seem to be a major connection.  I actually find the brother, Thom's character to be way more interesting.  It is brushed over very quickly, but the idea of a boy cross-dressing is definitely more taboo than Alanna's.  
• Alanna tries to convince herself that her father's distant attitude is a positive thing - allowing her to live her secret life.  However, if her father listened, perhaps she would be able to tell him about this and he would actually listen.  I think this concept is something familiar to children.  Every child has thought once or twice that their parents don't care about them because they're too busy with work or with their other plans.  This is extreme though.  
• Why is drinking and drunkenness playing such a big part? (Coram and Myles)
• "I'm not a crybaby or a telltale."
• I cannot help placing a sexual overtone on the whole story.  I am never a good judge of ages and perhaps she is just too young to have to deal with romantic feelings towards the boys; however, I just keep finding her relationships awkward.  

The Marble Had to be White.

"I'm bitter and angry and disillusioned!" - Ragtime, Coalhouse Walker

You said it, Coalhouse.  I'll admit that I have not taken the time to write down notes as I go.  The story was just too interesting!

Teachers Are Human Too...

Right off the bat, I am sickened by this scene with Caroni and Brother Leon.  I see myself in Caroni - his desire to be a teacher - his complete admiration of teachers.  "He'd always worshipped his teachers, had thought of becoming a teacher himself someday if he could overcome his shyness."  Teachers aren't meant to be rude; aren't meant to blackmail, but Brother Leon... My blood boils over this scene.  In fact, I think this is the most emotional scene of the book to date.  Brother Leon claims, "One thing students don't always realize, David... is that teachers are human too.  Human like other people."  Leon tries to come across as apologetic and kind, but deep down you can feel his mind at work.  Caroni had placed his teachers on a pedestal, but Leon shatters it.  His vision of teachers has changed which destroys Caroni's innocence.  Caroni's trust in the world, his trust in education, his trust in himself and his future are shattered.  Writing this now almost brings me to tears.

"No.  I'm not going to sell the chocolates." "Cities fell. Earth opened. Planets tilted. Stars plummeted.  And the awful silence." Jerry's small decision is capable of so many things.

When it comes to Jerry's locker the first thing that jumps out at me is the saying itself, "Do I dare disturb the universe?"  It is obvious that this is symbolic of Jerry's decision to upset the order of Trinity.  I find the more interesting aspects to be circulating around the poster.  First, the way he picks it makes you think, is Jerry really ready to do this?  Jerry confesses that, "Jerry wasn't sure of the poster's meaning, but it moved him mysteriously.  It was traditional at Trinity for everyone to decorate the interior of his locker with a poster.  Jerry chose this one."  I want to know what has changed in Jerry?  He began the school year completely willing to go along with the flow; to do what he is supposed to without questioning.  But, something has changed now.  When the chocolate sale comes along, something has inspired him.  Is it the fear of becoming his father?  Is it a coping stage after the loss of his mother?  Is it a maturation element developing with his desire for female companionship and love?

One of the other things that had bothered me with the poster, was the fact that Jerry couldn't make the connection between himself and the saying, "Do I dare disturb the universe?"  It wasn't a mind-blowing comment, but something he was not ready to recognize except merely subconsciously.  I am glad to see (about 30 pages later) that Jerry recognizes the connection he has with the poster he has chosen.  "Do I dare disturb the universe? Yes, I do, I do.  I think."  Although, his response still offers the opinion that he is not ready for the role he has decided to take.  Perhaps he should have waited on the chocolates and picked a later battle.