Daniel's Post 1-2 (1-49)

Personally I believe that the book is OK thus far. It may not be all that exciting but it has a very interesting perspective of war and life. Tayo as a character is depressing and confusing but very interesting. He blames himself for everything that has happened and basically dislikes himself. I can't figure out why he is ill all the time though. Is it just his abhor of life that's causing him to become ill or is there some kind of war wound? Tayo comes across to me as somewhat cynical, that he believes society isn't working properly and is tired of it. Tayo's character is very mixed and the flashbacks of him show even more elements in his character. He was once happy and had different views but something happened that changed him, maybe the death of Rocky or another event during the war. To me the character Rocky embodies Tayo's old happiness in life. Tayo constantly remembers him in happy memories. The one character I don't really like though is Auntie. She is a judgemental person and cares to much about what society will think of her. This book has started out slow but hopefully it will pick up in plot a little.

Quotes:

"The dry air shrank the wooden staves of the barrels; they pulled loose, and now the rusty steel hoops were scattered on the ground behind the corral in the crazy patterns of some flashy Kiowa hoop dancer at the Gallup Ceremonials, throwing his hoops along the ground where he would hook and flip them into the air again and they would skim over his head and shoulders down to his dancing feet, like magic." (Page 10) - This is a metaphor with a simile at the end. I like this quote not only due to the integration of literary elements but also because is gives insight to some Native American customs. With the comparing of the steel hoops to an intricate dance it gives a little insight into some of the Native American customs.

"One time there were these Indians see. They put on uniforms, cut their hair. They went off to a big war. They had a real good time too. ... And the white lady at the bus depot, she's real careful now not to touch your hand when she counts out your change." (Pages 41-42) - This quote is where Tayo is in the bar telling the story of the truth of what they have become. I really like this quote for it shows the false respect that they received when they fought in the war. People only respected them for uniforms and that is all. After the war they lost the respect. The truth in this quote is powerful to me and it also shows why Tayo dislikes society.

This book shows a different and interesting perspective on war and life. It criticizes many aspects of society. The book really does interest me with all the different views and hopefully something big does happen.