Nicholas Notes

Another alluring, and thought-provoking read this week. Rigoberta’s recounting of the many stories and ‘highlights’ of her life, although sometimes very hard to wrap my head around or to come to terms with their severity - I was eager to continue reading, almost out of respect and admiration for such a strong character.  My initial thoughts while reading were about this book in relation to our past readings. Albeit unique, there were some parallels I felt - such as the themes of death, reflective tone, and even some of the cultural beliefs that Rigoberta had shared with us. When her little brother passes as a result of the brutal conditions on the Finca, not only are we reminded that this could happen to any individual unfortunate enough to live their life, but we see a shift in Rigoberta’s perspectives of their poverty. A reflection of this growth, on page 34 she recounts: “That’s when my consciousness was born”. Although many instances of violence occurred (like the performance-k...

  I enjoyed my reading of Captain Pantoja ! As intended, I found the plot comedic, and the content a bit more exciting than some of the other literature we’ve looked at. With that said though, past books have occasionally introduced an equal amount of absurdity (taken from the magical realism stuff) and well-written characters - although it was the entire premise of this story that felt more light-hearted than others. I will note, however, that watching Jon’s lecture and learning more about the actual atrocities that this and other military groups were committing - was pretty off-putting, so I am surprised that the writing was so well received.  This crazy ‘adventure’ that Pantoja embarks on with the SSGFRI, to us as readers, comes out of the blue, as we are introduced to this character as an already successful, impressive captain - who is being tasked with a new mission (somewhat like the beginning of an Avengers movie). As the organization expands, provides satisfaction to s...

Reading Marquez over this reading holiday was a treat compared to previous literature we've been assigned. I’m not thorough with it just yet, but have enjoyed reflecting on the writing, and seeing what others have to say about the themes and style of the book. I have spoiled the text a little bit for myself, and have a general idea of what comes out of the longer and more repetitive lifespan read halfway through the book, and can see why its reviewed as a piece of literature equally symbolic as a religious text.  I would like to take the first week of One Hundred Years Of Solitude to appreciate and discuss the ideas of time, seemingly cyclical and never-ending, as well as the beings that get to experience it (ie. us readers as well as the characters inside the story). The story kicks off recounting Jose’s fascination with gypsy technology, and seems never to learn the cycle he falls into. Little do we know, that is only a glimpse at what Marquez has in store for us. Firstly, I don’...