Anticipating The Pheonix and the Carpet

     I am not familiar with The Pheonix and the Carpet at all.  Neither the book nor the author Nesbit.  I think I will like to read about "human" characters for a change because it will be easier to relate to and easier to picture- hopefully.  I wonder if it will be more based on realism or idealism, as we have dealt with both the previous fantasies.  It seems as though there will be much less violence compared to The Hobbit and Redwall, so therefore a seemingly different age discrepancy.  In researching more information on Nesbit and The Pheonix, I found there was alot of criticism of racism displayed.  There was also an asexual note, stating that Nesbit "combines both male and female stereotypes."

Analysis of Redwall

   The most inetersting theme to me in Redwall was the idea of pressure, in particular leaders under pressure.  From the beginning there is a very profound focus on leaders, or positions with power.  The Abbot of Redwall maintains the mice with his leadership role from a standpoint of a higher education or knowledge.  He is followed because he is respected as a wise leader.  In contrast, Cluny maintains the rats with his leadership role from a standpoint of higher power, or the unfair advantage of his deadly tail.  He is followed because he is feared as a merciless master.  Matthias is later presented as a leader as well, recognized by the Abbot.  He leads with bravery and encourgament, urging others to stand up for themselves as he leads the way.  It is easy to lead when all is going well, but when trouble strikes, the leaders have very different responses.  The Abbot and Matthias are the first leaders faced with struggles of the news of Cluny.  After wisley taking heed to the warning, the Abbot seems at a loss of how to lead in this circumstance.  This is when Matthias shows his leadership abilities under pressure, stating that "we will be ready!"  This characteristic of Matthias continues throughout the book as he has the ability to inspire the mice in times of trial, as well as himself. This "david against Goliath" confidence remained with Matthias even against the most trying opponents.  Cluny, on the other hand, fluctuates under pressure and shows great signs of anger and frustration.  His followers act accoringly, killing each other for the upper edge. 
     Redwall presented much different messages than what I expected from a book aimed at an audience of children.  I found it very interesting that it took much more of a realism perspectic rather than that of an idealistic.  This theme of realism in the fantasy was played out through characters as well as cultural interactions.  There were plenty of good and bad characters in the story.  It is expected for there to be evil characters such as Cluny and his rats, Asmodeuss, King Bull and the foxes.  What I felt was unexpected was the more "bad" tendencies of the good characters.  For example,  Matthias' treatment of Warbeak and the violence that was presented on both sides of the battle.  Likewise, the characters of the shrews (especially Guoism), Julian the Cat, and Captain Snow presented many flaws but were seen as good characters.  This is unique for a children's fantasy because it does not convey the typical perfect, black and white, good over evil, beautiful world.  Similarly,  the cultural interactons in the book present an interesting message to be a focus for this type of book because they are centerd around two main aspects of society: hierarchy and race.  The order of the classes is most obvoius in the Redwall mice, ranging from the powerful mice such as the Abbot, to the working class field mice such as Cornflower and her family.

Notable Moment in Redwall

     I thought the most defining moment in Redwall was the instance that Matthias and Methusaleh disovered the answer to the mystery of "I am that is".  I felt this marked a point of deep meaning not only to Matthias' character, but also to the turning point of the book that lead to the beginning of The Quest.  It greatly influenced Matthias' character instantaneously.  He quickly posessed a spirit of confidence that not only matured him but also transformed him into this "mighty warrior".  Methuselah, eager for Matthias but perhaps also a slight sense of jealousy, helps to inspire Matthias' new life purpose.  This idea that the past is linked to the present gives much power to the mission of finding Martin's sword.  I thought this was an interesting allusion as I always felt much of Redwall seemed to hint at Catholicism, but perhaps that is because I am Catholic.  However, I could not ignore the resemblance of "I am that is" meaning Matthias to "I am who I am" meaning Yahweh or God.  I realize that I may just find what I want to look for, but this seemed like a strong and interesting link to me.  Did Jacques purposefully link Matthias to God?  It seems to me that would open up alot of controversy if others shared this opinion because of the character of Matthias not being the divine unflawed nature.

Anticipating Redwall

     I did not have much previous knowledge of the content of Redwall other than the familiarity of the author Brian Jacques.  I read a review which was aimed at parents to help them determine whether the book was "age appropriate".  The review determined the book was best for children 10 and up.  It described that some positive messages that the book conveyed included courage, bravery, heroism, and peace.  It also noted the importance of teamwork or coercion in contrast to forceful leadership.  I found this seemed also applicable to The Hobbit so I am assuming the books to be very similar.  My notion that the books would be alike was furthered when I read that there was also violence as well as a focus on role models as one of the mice becomes a "hero".  I am curious to see how this book defines a hero while Bilbo's heroism was questioned.  One aspect of the blog I found questionable was that it said eductaional value of Redwall was "not an issue" neither positive nor negative.  I thought how could this be? If the fantasy contains positive messages or morals does that not constitute educational value?  What was required to determine a book educationally valuable?  Overall, from this review I am expecting the book to be very much like The Hobbit, and I hope it will catch my interest after already reading a fantasy with a similar plot.

Analysis of The Hobbit

     What strikes me most about The Hobbit is the characterization that Tolkien created.  Throughout the book, Tolkien shapes and builds the fantasy through the characters that we grow to either trust or resist.  The most surprising aspect of this characterization is the dynamic essence that plays a key role to the overall theme of greed and lesson learned in the book.  The fantasy also seems to focus on the common theme of the treasure lying within the journey, not the destination.  Through complete transformations, the qualities gained are evident by the end of the journey.  The two main focuses that played out a dynamic characterization are Bilbo, the protagonist, and Thorin.
     In the beginning of the novel, Bilbo's character is plainly stated as proper and therefore a fitting Bagginses, with a rich and respected reputation.  He is a careful host and greets his company with respect as well as provides hospitality whether it is convenient for him or not.  This is seen as he is overwhelmed with the "adventure" that Gandalf shockingly brings right to his doorstep.  In the first glimpse of a defiance in Bilbo, he accepts the adventure in order to prove them wrong and that he is worthy of being a burglar.  As the adventure progresses, Bilbo continues to straggle behind and hide in the protective shadows of Gandalf.  As he is faced not only with the challenges that lie ahead of them- battles, hunger, and forlornness, but also with the challenges of proving himself to the dwarves, Bilbo slowly progresses to gain a bold leadership identity that becomes the heart of the fantasy.  Tolkien does not present this change in an ambiguous manner, but rather openly states that the dwarves now look to Bilbo for ideas, plans, and security.  It seems as though no one else would have stepped up in Gandalf's absence when the group was faced with hardship.  Bilbo even takes a humble outlook, and selflessly looks to resolve issues.  He does this in an outstanding fashion in the end of the book- first not taking credit for finding the dragon's weak spot (or for that matter not taking credit for all the heroic actions he performed), and secondly sacrificing himself to save a bloody war by giving the stone over the Bard.
     In contrast, Thorin experiences a much different transformation and seems to take a much greater deal of lessons out to reach this enlightened perspective.  From the start of the fantasy, Thorin, like most dwarves, is greedy, stubborn, and proud.  As Gandalf guides the dwarves and the hobbit around, Thorin leads the dwarves in complaints and is quick to criticize others while refusing to admit to his own mistake.  He is particularly critical of Bilbo and Gandalf's choice to bring him.  The weak leadership of Thorin is quickly seen at the absence of Gandalf.   In the first and faintest sign of troubles Thorin is helpless to maintain order amongst the group that spirals into a chaotic quarrel of blame and frenzy.  Even towards the end of the story, Thorins leadership is not appealing, as he angrily throws over Bilbo at the trading of his stone.  Gandalf points this out as Thorin's greed is emphasized and it is apparent that his gold is more important to him than the value of loyalty, friendship, or trust.  However, the change in Thorin is seen as he may recognizes the strong character of Bilbo.  His change is best seen some of his final words as he states that he is going where "gold and silver are of little worth" and "If more of us valued food and cheer and song above hoarded gold, it would be a merrier world."  Although Thorin is buried with his treasured stone, it is apparent that the journey imposed on him new values.
    

Notable Moment in The Hobbit

    Reflecting on my preconceived notions, I have found myself much more interested in this book than I originally expected.  I have found that The Hobbit does not display a strongly influential grotesque "boy" nature that I assumed.  Instead, I was more interested in the character building that Tolkien developed.  Not only was the plot adventurous and climatic, but it was also intertwined with various and unique characters. Aside from the variety of dwarves, goblins, elves, and other creatures, each character had specific qualities that either drew me into their character or caused me to have resistance toward the character.  For example, I was quite drawn to the wizard when he stood up for his friend and choice, while the other dwarves were ridiculing Mr.  Baggins.  This instance in the chapter "Out of the Frying- Pan Into the Fire"  emphasized Gandalf's values for me therefore drawing me into his character.  I viewed this showing as loyalty but I suppose it could also be seen as stubborn, refusing to admit to a mistake on his part.  In contrast, my opinion of the dwarves as a whole wavered and sometimes caused a feeling of resistance.  It seems as though every instance that brings strife causes the dwarves to quickly turn to a chaotic state of blame, complaints, and bickering.  For example in the chapter "Barrels Out of Bond", the dwarves are forced to trust Bilbo but only after hesitation due to fear of being "bruised and battered to pieces, and drowned".  Bilbo is constantly having to force plans upon the dwarves, which really surprised me in regards to Bilbo's character.
     The dynamic character of Bilbo that Tolkien built progressively occurred but was spurred on with the loss of their leader Gandalf.  Personally, I did not expect a change this drastic, as it Bilbo has transformed to be not only a leader, but an honest and brave one.  The moment that shockingly stood out to me the most occurred when Bilbo volunteered to see the dragon in the chapter "Inside Information".  From this moment on, I realized the deep change from the prim and proper hobbit that was first introduced.

Preconceived Notions of The Hobbit

     I seem to be in a small group of readers that has yet to read The Hobbit.  Although I enjoy fantasies, the general idea of a somewhat grotesque troll never appealed to me.  I find it curious that I was very interested in similar novels such as Harry Potter but the adventurous plot of the hobbit was not enough to lure me.  Despite all the recommendations that my friends made when I was much younger, the suggestions were never taken seriously partly due to my idea that the book seemed what I would have considered a "boy" book.  Now that i have grown in experience and maturity, I am still not sure whether I will like the book or dislike the book.  It depends on whether the amount of adventure grasps my attention.