A Christmas Story-Movie

A Christmas Story

Plot

 The plot of the movie compared to the short story is very similar. The main objective of the plot is that Ralphie receives a Red Ryder BB Gun for Christmas which occurs in both the short story and the film. There are other supporting parts in the film that are not included in the short story. One major difference in the film and story is how Ralphie overcomes the neighborhood bully. A similarity in plot is Ralphie trying to hide the fact that he wants to a Red Ryder BB Gun for Christmas from his brother. Overall the plot were similar except that the film version had more supporting plots.

Point of View

 Both the film and the short story are told from the same point of view. The short story is told as a memory of Ralphie's and the movie is told with the narration of the movie from an older Ralphie. The narration gives the insight that is read in the story while allowing the scene to unfold simultaneously. Ralphie's point of view also allows for the film to follow a similar set of events and structure. Ralphie gives many inner thoughts in short story that help the reader to understand his thoughts and plans more thoroughly. The narration of the film also gives the same inner thoughts that the short story does.

Characterization

 The are major differences in character development between the short story and the film. In the short story very little character development is made. The film though has much more in depth character development. Ralphie developes much more over the duration of the film as do the supporting characters. Many sides of Ralphie are shown in the film that are not spoken for in the story. Ralphie shows his anger when he takes on the neighborhood bully. The father is also shown more in the film. His anger is shown in the story but in a more broad aspect whereas his anger is shown more in the film and his personality is shown in more detail.

http://www.youtube.com/watch?v=XvijyBIgazE

Setting

 One minor difference in the setting between to the two forms is the absence of the beginning of the story in Manhattan. The rest of the setting is similar in both the film and the story. They both change frequently and show the same places. The film version does have some minor places added into it but none that have and a major effect on the similarity between the two. Ralphie's home plays a huge role in the film just the same as it does in the story. The school also has a major role in the film.

Theme

 The themes in the are similar in both the story and the film. The theme of desire plays the same role that it does in the story version. Ralphie shows the same desire for the Red Ryder BB Gun in the film that he shows in the story. The theme of denial occurs in the film as well. Ralphie is hesitant at first to express his desire to have the BB Gun so instead he acts as if he doesn't want it or didn't actually want it and was just joking. Overall the themes have the same role in both forms.

http://www.youtube.com/watch?v=LtwVgOmPNPE



Red Ryder Nails the Hammond Kid by Jean Shepherd

Plot

 In Red Ryder Nails the Hammond Kid the main character is trying every idea he can to make sure that on Christmas he will receive a BB Gun. Numerous events affect the plots outcome and Ralphie's idea of Christmas later in life. The plot has a fast pace because of the upcoming event of Christmas.The bitter winter in Northern Indiana makes the plot seem more realistic and close to home. Ralphie's plans to receive a BB Gun for Christmas makes the plot seem more child like and festive because his knowledge of the holidays. Overall Ralphie's plans help to show his sincerity for wanting the Red Ryder BB Gun.

Point of View

 The point of view in this story is that of Ralphie the main character. His point of view starts with himself later in life and then thinking back to his youth. Ralphie's point of view expresses the desire he has for the BB Gun and the opposition he is shown when he pronounces his wishes. His point of view is filled with excitement, joy, and at times frustration. Ralphie feels as if the entire world is against him and his quest to receive the Red Ryder BB Gun. " Was there no end to this conspiracy of irrational prejudice against Red Ryder and his peacemaker?" page 488.

Characterization

 The character development in this story is minimal in the supporting characters as well as the main character Ralphie. The other characters are only described by their personalities and physical appearance if at all. The story does a nice job of displaying minor characters and their physical appearance." ...waddling under the weight of frost-covered clothing like tiny frozen bowling balls with feet" page 477. The story also shows characters in a humorous light which makes the tension that is made between Ralphie and his peers seem lesser. Ralphie is the most explored character in the story. Ralphie's inner thoughts are focused primarily on how to get the Red Ryder BB Gun and all the amazing adventures he will have when he gets it.



Setting

 The setting of this short story changes numerous times. The setting goes from Manhattan to Northern Indiana. The majority of the story though stays in the confines of Ralphie's house or the town around him. Since the story is being told as a memory the story jumps from point to point without any segway. One of the major points in the story takes place in the kitchen of Ralphie's boyhood home which further shows that his house is a majority setting. The story is also set in the dead of winter which gives a feeling of eagerness for the holidays.

Theme

 There are two main themes in this short story. One theme is denial which is seen most when adults are present. The next theme that occurs numerous times is desire. Desire shows up in Ralphie's numerous plans and ideas that he creates in his mind. When Ralphie professes his wish for a BB Gun he is denied by an adult who always says "You'll shoot your eye out, Kid!". A third theme is the concept of gift giving and the varities that it comes in. Ralphie believes that the only way to give gifts is on Christmas Eve and that the rest of the neighborhood was unfortunate because they opened their gifts on the morning of Christmas.



http://www.youtube.com/watch?v=HW4IZ0Flh3M

Sonnet 130

Sonnet 130

     This sonnet is about a man's feelings towards his mistress. In the first line he speaks of how her eyes are dull and nothing compared to the sun. He goes onto speak about her lips which are just as dull. "Coral is far more red than her lips' red" line two. The man's mistress's hair and breast are just as boring as her lips and eyes. The man doesn't like his mistress cheeks either which he see's as containing no color. The man is not fond of her breath but thinks her voice is ok. "I love to hear her speak, yet well I know that music hath a far more pleasing sound;" line nine-ten. Although her voice is ok it is nothing close to music which he feels is a pleasing sound. He doesn't see anyone of her features as anything good compared to others but feels she is beautiful as she is because she is not like anything else. "And yet, by heaven, I think my love as rare as any she believed with false compare." line thirteen- fourteen.

    I believe the message of this sonnet is true to our modern society. An intelligent person once said "Beauty is in the eye of the beholder". This sonnet shows a clear example of this quote. The man knows his mistress is not as beautiful as other notable examples of beauty. The reason he still loves her is because she is not anthing like anything or anyone else. He loves her for being unique. Many times a couple can be seen that doesn't look as if they fit together and people ask how do they love each other. The reason is because they love the person for being unique and for being themselves. Personality has become much bigger part of relationships nowadays because it is hard to find love with some that is beautiful but has no personality.


                                                          

Pearl of the Stars-Ballad

The most prominent characteristics of a ballad found in the song Pearl of the Stars by Coheed and Cambria are unrequited love and sudden disaster. In the song it tells of a man who has lost with his wife and only has his child to remember her. The song shows unrequited love because the man talks about how much he loves and misses his wife but wont know here love again. He wishes for he could have done more for her but knows that she wouldnt have wanted it anyways and thats why he loves her. Sudden disaster is shown by the death of his lover. He wishes he could go with her but knows in his heart he will follow her one day. Pearl of the Stars is also a ballad because he wants to avenge the lose of his lover and is upset that she was put through pain. In Pearl of the Stars the man shows that he wants his lover back but is a victim of unrequited love.

Each night, I wish to God he'd let her rest.
Oh, this hurts me more than any man can bear.
She's my angel from the west.
There will never be one to take her place.

When you go, I will know.
Follow you to the stars.
And when the world burns apart,
There will be a place for your car.

I'd give you everything,
If only I'd have known you'd take it.
But you don't, 'cause you're you.
That's why I'll always love you.
My pearl of the stars.

Oh, the pills she takes, the pain of which she drowns.
A baby sleeps next door, she's new in town.
I'll tell her how wonderful you were.
I'll remember everything you were to me.

When you go, I will know.
Follow you to the stars.
And when the world burns apart,
There will be a place for your car.

I'd give you everything,
If only I'd have known you'd take it.
But you don't, 'cause you're you.
That's why I'll always love you.
My pearl of the stars.

When you go, I will know.
Follow you to the stars.
And when the world burns apart,
There will be a place for your car.

I'd give you everything,
If only I'd have known you'd take it.
But you don't, 'cause you're you.
That's why I'll always love you.

When you go, I will know.
Follow you to the stars.
And when the world burns apart,
There will be a place for your car.

I'd give you everything,
If only I'd have known you'd take it.
But you don't, 'cause you're you.
That's why I'll always love you.
My pearl of the stars.


http://www.youtube.com/watch?v=1yIPOkHXjFY&feature=related

Hero Blog

Literary Hero- Harry Potter
      Harry Potter is a hero for many reasons such as saving all the muggles from almost certain death by Lord Voldemort. Harry Potter has many other hero qualities as well. He is brave, courageous, smart, and a very talented fighter. One event that expresses Harry's hero qualities is when he finds Hermione in the girls bathroom with a mountain troll. Although Harry was young and an inexperienced wand user he still acted bravely in the situation. Harry along with the help of his trusty sidekick Ron defeated the troll by levitating the troll's very own weapon  above his head and then droping it on said trolls head. Harry showed his knack for being a hero by staying brave during his fight with the dreaded mountain troll.

Personal Hero- Joseph Yates
      My choice for personal hero is my oldest brother Joe. Joe is charismatic, brave, and intelligent. He also has a strong love for his country and the people that reside there. When Joe was 18 and only two weeks out of high school he was on his way to Fort Benning, Georgia. I will remember the fact that at an early age he always talked about joining the army and fighting for our country. Joe did just that by spending 15 months in Baghdad, Iraq. In my personal opinion that's one of the most heroic things to do nowadays.

Popular Hero- Steve Buscemi
     Steve Buscemi is noted and very respected actor appearing in such movies as The Big Lebowski and Reservior Dogs. Not only is he a very talented actor he is also a former firefighter. Steve Buscemi devoted weeks of work digging through rubble and helping the victims of  the 9/11 tragedy. He spent numerous hours working alongside his former coworkers helping to relieve a problem thats effects are still being shown today. His efforts maybe small but show that fame has not altered his view of helping others in need.