Summary
Ram has now left from the flat and being a live-in servant because Neelima Kumari has died from an overdose. Fearing that he would be accused of having part in her death he fled. Along his journey he was in Agra and had learn many things about Taj Mahal during his visit. In order to answer the 12th question he used his life boat to call a friend in which he called Mr. Utpal Chatterjee who he had given money to in order to help his son from dying. During the commercial break he realized that the guy asking all of the questions was the guy who had abused Neelima. He had learned that he was working at the quiz show from a newspaper ad he had seen in Agra which is his reason for coming on the quiz show to take revenge. For the last question he uses his life-boat for 50/50 and then uses a coin to choose. Luckily, he guessed correctly winning him the million rupees. The lawyer who had gone to the police station to help him was a woman who he had helped at the shawl. She was returning the favor he had done for her father at the shawl and she was going to fight just as hard to save him.
Quote
"Like a lamb, they are fattening me with adulation before slaughtering me on the next question. (Swarup 302)"
Reaction
I knew that the last question was going to be a tough one when I read these lines. He already knew that they did not want him to win the money and thought that he cheated his way through. They had a misjudgement about him and knew that they were pretending to help him out to then attempt to screw him over; he knew that if he was going to win this, he had to do it on his own.
Friday, January 22, 2010
Tuesday, January 19, 2010
Slumdog Millionaire (Pages 166-237)
Summary
India had entered in to a state of war and the village stayed together at a shawl. There Ram met a veteran from the war of 1971 in which he told them his experience at war to everyone so that they would understand the seriousness of war. He had come close to winning the MVC/PVC award which helped Ram answer the eighth question. Every night they were sent home and one day he ran into Salim which he hadnt seen in 5 years. In this encounter Salim told him the story of a man who was paying for his acting school. He won money by illegal betting on cricket matches and he knew the averages of every player. He had shared his knowledge with Ram which answered the next question for Ram on the quiz show. Then Ram went with Salim to an actresses house as they were looking for a fulltime servant; only Ram got the job. As time went on Neelima Kumari asked him to be a live in servant and he learned a lot about her life and accomplishments first hand from the Tradgedy Queen; which answered the following question.
Quote
"Meeting a long-lost friend is similar, I suppose, to eating a favorite dish after a long time. You don't know how your taste buds will react after all this while, whether the dish will still taste as good as it used to. (Swarup 193)"
Reaction
Ram felt this when he had a surprise encounter with Salim, he did not know what to expect after a long time of not seeing him. Luckily for him he had a sad reaction as he missed his good friend but he attempted in keeping his wall up. He did not want Salim involved in his aspirations about his wanting to be on the show.
India had entered in to a state of war and the village stayed together at a shawl. There Ram met a veteran from the war of 1971 in which he told them his experience at war to everyone so that they would understand the seriousness of war. He had come close to winning the MVC/PVC award which helped Ram answer the eighth question. Every night they were sent home and one day he ran into Salim which he hadnt seen in 5 years. In this encounter Salim told him the story of a man who was paying for his acting school. He won money by illegal betting on cricket matches and he knew the averages of every player. He had shared his knowledge with Ram which answered the next question for Ram on the quiz show. Then Ram went with Salim to an actresses house as they were looking for a fulltime servant; only Ram got the job. As time went on Neelima Kumari asked him to be a live in servant and he learned a lot about her life and accomplishments first hand from the Tradgedy Queen; which answered the following question.
Quote
"Meeting a long-lost friend is similar, I suppose, to eating a favorite dish after a long time. You don't know how your taste buds will react after all this while, whether the dish will still taste as good as it used to. (Swarup 193)"
Reaction
Ram felt this when he had a surprise encounter with Salim, he did not know what to expect after a long time of not seeing him. Luckily for him he had a sad reaction as he missed his good friend but he attempted in keeping his wall up. He did not want Salim involved in his aspirations about his wanting to be on the show.
Sunday, January 17, 2010
Slumdog Millionaire (Pages 81-165)
Summary
As he grew up he had seen and learned many new things when he was taken away to a home where they prepared orphans for success. This experience helped him answer the fourth question. In the end they decide that they would runaway from Maman's den. Salim and Ram runoff to the Taylor's in order to work as servants where no one would be able to learn about their whereabouts. He had been there a long time and the family had a lot of trust in him. Mr.Taylor had a den in which no one was allowed to enter, spy tapes/papers and had secret meetings with Jeevan Kumar and was declared persona non Grata and was to leave immediately. He then worked at a bar and restaurant as a bartender , one night he met a man who told him a story about his life which helped him answer the sixth question. He then takes the money he had earned to go to Mumbai to visit Salim. On the train ride there is a family there and he believes he could be possibly falling in love with the daughter. A decoit had robbed all of them after disturbing their sleep on the train. Before leaving he attempted in making the girl show her breasts so Ram acted on it and killed the man. With the pistol in his hand he got the answer for the next question of who had invented a revolver.
Quote
"Train journeys are about possibilities. They denote a change in state. When you arrive, you are no longer the same person who departed. (Swarup 153)"
Reaction
When I read this quote it summed up my impressions of train rides because he gets to see different things in cities he does not usually visit on a daily basis. Also, the things he is exposed to helps him develop his way of thinking and helps him recognize/aspire to better things. I did not think it was making reference to what he was to do, to kill a man in self defense during a train robbery.
As he grew up he had seen and learned many new things when he was taken away to a home where they prepared orphans for success. This experience helped him answer the fourth question. In the end they decide that they would runaway from Maman's den. Salim and Ram runoff to the Taylor's in order to work as servants where no one would be able to learn about their whereabouts. He had been there a long time and the family had a lot of trust in him. Mr.Taylor had a den in which no one was allowed to enter, spy tapes/papers and had secret meetings with Jeevan Kumar and was declared persona non Grata and was to leave immediately. He then worked at a bar and restaurant as a bartender , one night he met a man who told him a story about his life which helped him answer the sixth question. He then takes the money he had earned to go to Mumbai to visit Salim. On the train ride there is a family there and he believes he could be possibly falling in love with the daughter. A decoit had robbed all of them after disturbing their sleep on the train. Before leaving he attempted in making the girl show her breasts so Ram acted on it and killed the man. With the pistol in his hand he got the answer for the next question of who had invented a revolver.
Quote
"Train journeys are about possibilities. They denote a change in state. When you arrive, you are no longer the same person who departed. (Swarup 153)"
Reaction
When I read this quote it summed up my impressions of train rides because he gets to see different things in cities he does not usually visit on a daily basis. Also, the things he is exposed to helps him develop his way of thinking and helps him recognize/aspire to better things. I did not think it was making reference to what he was to do, to kill a man in self defense during a train robbery.
Sunday, January 3, 2010
Slumdog Millionaire (Pages 1 - 80)
Summary
The main character Ram Mohammad Thomas was arrested because there was suspicion that he cheated on the quiz show Who Wants to be a Billionaire. He was a poor orphan at the age of sixteen who explains his victory as luck. They could not believe he won because he was poor, a church orphan and did not read the newspaper. While being interrogated and beaten by an official a lawyer defended him as they had no evidence and no right to abuse him. To explain how he was lucky in getting those questions on the show to his lawyer, he had to explain his life stories corresponding to each of the questions he was asked. For the 1st question he knew the answer because his friend Armaan Ali and had taken him along to watch his most famous film Betrayal. For the 2nd question the host asked him if he knew what FBI stood for but he didn't, he then asked him which one did he know in which he said INRI which was the sequence of letters normally inscribed on a cross. Next door moved a family of a couple and a daughter. The father was a scientist who studied stars but was fired. One night with the help of a telescope he taught his daughter about the solar system and Ram listened in which helped him answer the 3rd question What is the smallest planet in our solar system?, he remembered because they named their cat after the smallest planet; Pluto. The father had abused the both of them and Ram could not stand by and watch any longer so he was not very proud of, leading to his runaway to Delhi where he stayed at a Juvenile Home for boys.
Quote
"I told you not to poke your nose into other people's affairs, or make other people's troubles your own. Remember this as a lesson for the future. (Swarup 55)"
Reaction
Ram had told this to Salim, his best friend when he was going to attempt in helping Armaan Ali get back together with his ex Urvashi. Soon after Salim saw a picture of Armaan in a magazine with lots of women around him, he was very disappointed because he had hope. Ram advised him no to do this again because his attempts will not help the situation. Salim soon had to remind Ram of his own advice when he wanted to attempt in helping the family that had just moved in next door.
The main character Ram Mohammad Thomas was arrested because there was suspicion that he cheated on the quiz show Who Wants to be a Billionaire. He was a poor orphan at the age of sixteen who explains his victory as luck. They could not believe he won because he was poor, a church orphan and did not read the newspaper. While being interrogated and beaten by an official a lawyer defended him as they had no evidence and no right to abuse him. To explain how he was lucky in getting those questions on the show to his lawyer, he had to explain his life stories corresponding to each of the questions he was asked. For the 1st question he knew the answer because his friend Armaan Ali and had taken him along to watch his most famous film Betrayal. For the 2nd question the host asked him if he knew what FBI stood for but he didn't, he then asked him which one did he know in which he said INRI which was the sequence of letters normally inscribed on a cross. Next door moved a family of a couple and a daughter. The father was a scientist who studied stars but was fired. One night with the help of a telescope he taught his daughter about the solar system and Ram listened in which helped him answer the 3rd question What is the smallest planet in our solar system?, he remembered because they named their cat after the smallest planet; Pluto. The father had abused the both of them and Ram could not stand by and watch any longer so he was not very proud of, leading to his runaway to Delhi where he stayed at a Juvenile Home for boys.
Quote
"I told you not to poke your nose into other people's affairs, or make other people's troubles your own. Remember this as a lesson for the future. (Swarup 55)"
Reaction
Ram had told this to Salim, his best friend when he was going to attempt in helping Armaan Ali get back together with his ex Urvashi. Soon after Salim saw a picture of Armaan in a magazine with lots of women around him, he was very disappointed because he had hope. Ram advised him no to do this again because his attempts will not help the situation. Salim soon had to remind Ram of his own advice when he wanted to attempt in helping the family that had just moved in next door.
Wednesday, December 16, 2009
Someone Like You (Pages 230-281)
Summary
It was now May and Scarlett convinced Halley to go to prom. Halley hadn't spoke much to Macon since the night that he went to speak to her in her side yard. She had ended things with him. The night she spoke about prom with her mother the Vaughn's were over which is how she ended up with Noah as her prom date. On prom night Noah was wasted which is why he broke Halley's dress by accident. She went into the bathroom in order to cover it up. Elizabeth and Macon were dating at the time and went to prom together, in the bathroom she told Halley that she could tell Macon still loved her. Interrupting the conversation, Halley was informed that Scarlett was about to give birth. Her water broke and she did not want to take an ambulance, the first vehicle that pulled up was Macon who took them to the hospital. Halley and her mother helped Scarlett through labor in which she gave birth to a baby girl; Grace Halley Thomas.
Quote
"I watched my mother do what she did best, and realized there would never be a way to cut myself from her entirely. No matter how strong or weak I was, she was a part of me, as crucial as my own heart. I would never be strong enough, in all my life, to do without her(Page 275)"
Reaction
This quote sums up the roller coaster ride of Halley's relationship with her mother. At first she was best friends with her mother and as she entered high school she felt that her mother didn't understand her which brought them apart. Now going through this experience she realized how important her mother was to her life that her mother would be there for her through any situation to help her get through rough times in life. It made their relationship stronger than it ever was.
It was now May and Scarlett convinced Halley to go to prom. Halley hadn't spoke much to Macon since the night that he went to speak to her in her side yard. She had ended things with him. The night she spoke about prom with her mother the Vaughn's were over which is how she ended up with Noah as her prom date. On prom night Noah was wasted which is why he broke Halley's dress by accident. She went into the bathroom in order to cover it up. Elizabeth and Macon were dating at the time and went to prom together, in the bathroom she told Halley that she could tell Macon still loved her. Interrupting the conversation, Halley was informed that Scarlett was about to give birth. Her water broke and she did not want to take an ambulance, the first vehicle that pulled up was Macon who took them to the hospital. Halley and her mother helped Scarlett through labor in which she gave birth to a baby girl; Grace Halley Thomas.
Quote
"I watched my mother do what she did best, and realized there would never be a way to cut myself from her entirely. No matter how strong or weak I was, she was a part of me, as crucial as my own heart. I would never be strong enough, in all my life, to do without her(Page 275)"
Reaction
This quote sums up the roller coaster ride of Halley's relationship with her mother. At first she was best friends with her mother and as she entered high school she felt that her mother didn't understand her which brought them apart. Now going through this experience she realized how important her mother was to her life that her mother would be there for her through any situation to help her get through rough times in life. It made their relationship stronger than it ever was.
Tuesday, December 15, 2009
Someone Like You (Pages 165-230)
Summary
One day as Halley was at work her mother went and forced her to go out to eat with her after work. She talked to her about her dislike towards her relationship with Macon. Her parents had decided that she was not going to be allowed to see him. When they arrived home her father was on the phone, Halley's grandmother had fallen braking several ribs before anybody found her. Her mom left to assist her grandmother as she was going into hip surgery. Her father was to stay with her, he was always busy so he didn't really track where Halley was throughout the day giving her time to hang out with Macon. One day he dropped her off at home but no one was inside, he asked if he could come inside and attempted to take it to the next level, Halley would not let him so he left. As the days went on it was soon Thanksgiving break in which Halley and her father went to see her grandmother. After leaving her grandmother and coming back home, Halley was always busy helping Scarlett around with doctors appointments and her cravings. On the New Years Eve instead of hanging out with Scarlett she went to a party with Macon where he gave her drinks and a bong to smoke, and attempted to"steal the territory" in his friends bedroom .
Quote
" 'No' I said, and I was crying suddenly, scared in this strange place and I hated him for doing this to me, hated myself, hated my mother and Scarlett for being right, all along.(page 230)"
Reaction
Halley made this realization after she knew that she was not ready as Scarlett had told her before she went with Macon to the party. Scarlett told her that she shouldn't do it and get attached to a guy who cannot express his feelings towards her. This was going through her mind as he tried taking their relationship to the next level.
One day as Halley was at work her mother went and forced her to go out to eat with her after work. She talked to her about her dislike towards her relationship with Macon. Her parents had decided that she was not going to be allowed to see him. When they arrived home her father was on the phone, Halley's grandmother had fallen braking several ribs before anybody found her. Her mom left to assist her grandmother as she was going into hip surgery. Her father was to stay with her, he was always busy so he didn't really track where Halley was throughout the day giving her time to hang out with Macon. One day he dropped her off at home but no one was inside, he asked if he could come inside and attempted to take it to the next level, Halley would not let him so he left. As the days went on it was soon Thanksgiving break in which Halley and her father went to see her grandmother. After leaving her grandmother and coming back home, Halley was always busy helping Scarlett around with doctors appointments and her cravings. On the New Years Eve instead of hanging out with Scarlett she went to a party with Macon where he gave her drinks and a bong to smoke, and attempted to"steal the territory" in his friends bedroom .
Quote
" 'No' I said, and I was crying suddenly, scared in this strange place and I hated him for doing this to me, hated myself, hated my mother and Scarlett for being right, all along.(page 230)"
Reaction
Halley made this realization after she knew that she was not ready as Scarlett had told her before she went with Macon to the party. Scarlett told her that she shouldn't do it and get attached to a guy who cannot express his feelings towards her. This was going through her mind as he tried taking their relationship to the next level.
Tuesday, December 1, 2009
Someone Like You (Pages 110-165)
Summary
Halley got busted for skipping school with Macon and Scarlett. At first when her mom confronted her about it she did not want to tell her why it was but she found out anyways. Scarlett's mom had called her over and told her that Scarlett was pregnant and that she was supposed to be getting an abortion. Once Scarlett got to the clinic she did not want to follow through with it and asked Halley to go get her. Now she was grounded for a month disregarding that her birthday was that week. On her birthday her mom threw her a family party and then at night Macon convinced her to sneak out to take her out to celebrate with him. The next morning she went to school, Halley had gotten her license and was the one driving to school everyday while Scarlett was getting worst mood swings. That day Scarlett and Halley were talking about her pregnancy in the bathroom and someone over heard leading to everyone finding out. As time progressed her mom became more suspicious about her relationship with Macon. She was not allowed to have phone calls after 10:30 and she had to sneak to see him. One night she went out with Macon after telling her mom she was over Scarlett's and her mother knew that she wasn't there.
Quote
"I face my reflection and committed this girl to memory: the girl who belonged with Macon Faulkner, the girl who broke her mother's heart, never looking back. The girl I was (Dessen 161)"
Reaction
Halley was now growing up, she was in high school and was beginning to go through the changes a teenager goes through when entering high school. In this quote she realizes how much she has changed and how it has affected her mother. She is not the girl that she use to be who never lied to her parents.
Halley got busted for skipping school with Macon and Scarlett. At first when her mom confronted her about it she did not want to tell her why it was but she found out anyways. Scarlett's mom had called her over and told her that Scarlett was pregnant and that she was supposed to be getting an abortion. Once Scarlett got to the clinic she did not want to follow through with it and asked Halley to go get her. Now she was grounded for a month disregarding that her birthday was that week. On her birthday her mom threw her a family party and then at night Macon convinced her to sneak out to take her out to celebrate with him. The next morning she went to school, Halley had gotten her license and was the one driving to school everyday while Scarlett was getting worst mood swings. That day Scarlett and Halley were talking about her pregnancy in the bathroom and someone over heard leading to everyone finding out. As time progressed her mom became more suspicious about her relationship with Macon. She was not allowed to have phone calls after 10:30 and she had to sneak to see him. One night she went out with Macon after telling her mom she was over Scarlett's and her mother knew that she wasn't there.
Quote
"I face my reflection and committed this girl to memory: the girl who belonged with Macon Faulkner, the girl who broke her mother's heart, never looking back. The girl I was (Dessen 161)"
Reaction
Halley was now growing up, she was in high school and was beginning to go through the changes a teenager goes through when entering high school. In this quote she realizes how much she has changed and how it has affected her mother. She is not the girl that she use to be who never lied to her parents.
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