An Epic Battle Between a Witch Hunter and a Rhino. Just Kidding. It’s Another Book Review.

Not unlike Terry Brooks, Terry Goodkind, the author of Faith of the Fallen also reveals through his novel the inner struggle of the human spirit against evil. He illustrates this struggle through an atmosphere of overwhelming destruction, where tyranny is crushing the will of the human population, demonstrating how even the worst of evils cannot completely destroy the spirit of a human. At the start of the novel, Richard Rahl, leader of the dwindling resistance against the oppressing Fellowship of Order, speaks to his companions about the state the world is about to be in, creating a bleak, dark atmosphere of misery and death:

We will be but two more among uncounted millions of nameless corpses beneath the gray, gloomy decay of mankind. In the darkness that will follow, our bones will be meaningless dust. Eventually, perhaps a thousand years from now, perhaps more, the light of liberty will again be raised up to shine over a free people, but between now and then, millions upon millions of people will be born into hopeless misery and have no choice but to bear the weight of the Order’s yoke. (Goodkind 21)

By creating an atmosphere as bleak and oppressing as this, Terry Goodkind demonstrates his belief that even if staggering trials steal the fight out of individuals, it will not be permanently destroyed, and that the strength of the human spirit will overcome them. Another instance in which Goodkind uses atmosphere to depict the struggle of the human spirit against evil, is when Richard and his kidnapper, Nicci, first arrive in the heart of the Old World; in Altur Rang, the city where the Fellowship of Order first came into being:

The rain poured down on the rotting city, full of the cries and glazed eyes of people who had forgotten they were living. Broken wagons cluttered the darkened streets, and dampness clung to clothes and sunk into hollow bones. Shrieks and thuds came from the black alleyways, but no one blinked an eye. Why was the pain of one person of greater consequence than that of any other? (Goodkind 541)

The atmosphere that the author creates in this moment is one of such bleakness, filled with such a great amount of coercion and twisted morals, that the fight and life has been sucked almost entirely out of the city’s citizens. Terry Goodkind’s intent in creating an atmosphere as hopeless as this, is to show that even after this much misery has infiltrated the minds of human beings, that it is still not enough to crush the human spirit, and that they will always rise above the pain.

Yet Another Book Analysis…

In the novel, Genesis of Shannara by Terry Brooks, the inner struggle of the human spirit against evil is at first revealed through the atmosphere of the story. The devastating and seemingly unendurable conditions, where the fight is crushed out of humans by subjugation and coercion demonstrates how even the worst of trials cannot permanently crush the will of humanity. For instance, in the beginning of the book, Logan Tom, one of the protagonists of the story, looks out upon the land soiled by the taint of the demons, out at a place where almost all life has been destroyed– including the very earth and plants – to the point where to survive off the earth causes mutations and death: “The Indiana countryside, empty of life, spread away to either side… the highway he followed west… cracked and weed-grown and littered with debris… a farmhouse and barn sat abandoned and derelict in a small grove of oaks turned wintry and leached of life” (Brooks 7). The atmosphere that Brooks has depicted illustrates the complete and vile hold that the tyrannical demons have over the world, and yet it also proves the strength of the human spirit; that even when struggling through conditions as dismal as this, it still cannot and will not be crushed. Also, in the beginning of the book, Terry Brooks uses Logan Tom’s thoughts to set the desolate atmosphere of the story and demonstrate the inner struggle of the human spirit against evil by explaining the bleak circumstances that the humans find themselves in: surrounded by demons, threatened by slave pens, and hiding from a world of destruction:

When word spread of the slave pens and the uses to which the once-men were putting the captured humans, resistance stiffened. But the compounds were not fortresses in the sense that medieval castles had been. Once besieged, they turned into death traps from which the defenders could not escape… This might have discouraged those hiding in the compounds if there had been anyplace else for them to go. But the mindset of the compound occupants was such that the idea of surviving anywhere else was inconceivable. Outside the walls you risked death from a thousand different enemies… The humans in the compounds could not imagine contending with these. Even the risk of an attack and siege by the once-men was preferable to attempting life on the outside where an entire world had gone mad. (Brooks 31)

The demons have created a world of such gruesomeness and danger that humans corral themselves into compounds out of fear of the outside world – inadvertently making themselves large, easy targets for the demons to demolish, and in that way, being controlled by them. Through this desolate atmosphere of slave pens, a world over-run by demons, and constant and unshakable fear, Terry Brooks shows as the story unfolds, that the human spirit will not perish, even under the direst of circumstances.

Dreaming vs. Reality

Why is it that so many people today have the mindset that, ‘if the odds aren’t great, don’t bother’? As a child, we’re encouraged to dream: “What do you want to be when you grow up, Susie?” “I want to be a princess!” Or, “What do you want to be when you grow up, Bobby?” “A rock-star!” And the adults will pinch their children’s cheeks and comment to their friends about how cute they are, yet, when they grow up and when it’s time for them to choose a career and they say the same answer, their parents will say, “Maybe you should try something more realistic… like teaching, or law.” Okay. Maybe I understand how becoming a princess isn’t a realistic life goal, but the point is; dreams are encouraged all throughout childhood, but then when you go out into the ‘real world’ you’re told to leave them behind and settle on something that’ll guarantee you a job. But we only have one life, why settle?  Why role through your remaining days knowing constantly that you’ve missed out on a possibility, just because you were being realistic? That’s not how I want to live. The other day, I was having a conversation with my dad about my after-school plans, and, knowing that he’s always been the, ‘you have a job for money’ kind of guy, I knew where he was coming from, but that doesn’t mean I agree. “So, you’re still stuck on the art school thing, huh?” He asked me. I watched the road as I held the steering wheel, knowing what he was going to say. “Yep… I know schoolings expensive, but I need to.” “You know, you could always just have it as a hobby while still having a good paying job.” “But I can’t do that – I couldn’t live like that, I can’t imagine a life where I’m not doing art full time.” “You could always teach art, that way you’re still guaranteed money.” “I don’t know, that just feels like a fall back for me, I would regret not trying for the rest of my life.” “But you know the odds of getting a decent job in art are next to nothing.” “That doesn’t matter. Just because the odds aren’t great doesn’t mean it’s impossible, at least a few people have done it, so that means there’s a chance. And I’d be doing what I love, that’s all I need.” “…And you’re still a no on the lawyer thing?” My dad’s always been trying to convince me to get into law. I looked out at my small town as I passed it, and I knew, that no matter what he said, I had to try, I had to go out into the world, and at least make an effort to achieve the life I’ve always dreamed of. “Okay, Dad. An artist, or a musician. Choose.” “A musician!? That’s even worse, there’s pretty much no chance of success, half the time not even having a roof over your head, let alone enough money to live off of.” “I don’t care. It’s my passion, so, choose. Artist, or I join a band and leave.” “…Is there a third option?” “Nope.” So basically the conversation ended there, but it left me wondering about how people seem to let their fears and ‘realistic-ness’ stop them before they even try. I get the fact that you can’t have a civilization run entirely on ‘dreamers’, because it’s true, there’s the basic jobs that no one ever dreams about doing, but they’re necessary for our society to work.  But I also think that a society run entirely by the ‘realistic’ people, would be a dull and claustrophobic place.

 

 

Imaginary Conversation With Myself

“…Hi.”

“..Hey?”

“How’s it going?”

“Slightly uncomfortable now that I’m talking to myself…”

“Oh. Me too.”

“…Where do we go from here?”

“I dunno… Philosophy? Weather?”

“How ‘bout cows?”

“Why is it that whenever you blank the first thing you think of is cows?”

“I don’t know, ask yourself, you’re me aren’t you?”

“I don’t know, aren’t I?”

“… What are you trying to do?”

“… Confusion?”

“That’s… It’s not gonna work, I have the same brain as you.”

“…Makes conversations kind of hard.”

“See, by pointing that out you just make things awkward.”

“I’m just saying, it’s weird.”

“Then leave.”

“There’s the problem, I can’t.”

“Damn… would you like a refreshing beverage?”

“Are you trying to quote Sheldon to ease the tension?”

“…Possibly?”

“…Well played, well played.”

“But I’m serious; social protocol dictates that I offer you a refreshing beverage.”

“I can’t drink, I’m imaginary.”

“… I thought that I was the imaginary one.”

“What? No, I am.”

“… Are you trying to make me doubt myself?”

“…Are you trying to make me doubt myself?”

“No, I’m not that kind of person.”

“Don’t even try that, I know you are.”

“… Shit, I forgot: same brain.”

“Watch your mouth.”

“I’m an imaginary voice in your head; I have the right to freedom of speech.”

“No, actually, I’m pretty sure there is no spot on the charter of rights and freedoms that says that imaginary voices get freedom of speech.”

“Are you saying that you think you’re better than me?”

“Saying it? No. Implying it? Maybe.”

“… Wow. I didn’t think you were like that.”

“…I’m not… actually I felt weird just saying it. Sorry about that.”

“I know… I’m you, remember?”

“Then why’d you get offended?”

“Boredom?”

“Ah.”

“yep.”

“Mmhmm.”

“…Awkward silence…”

“WELL CAPTIONING IT DOESN’T MAKE IT ANY LESS AWKWARD.”

“Yeah but by me saying it, it makes you think that it’s your fault.”

“… Has anyone ever told you that you’re kind of a dick?”

“Your mom, last night.”

“No.. Just no.”

“What? Sexual innuendoes always lighten the mood.”

“Yeah, but not when they’re about our mom, or when they make no contextual sense.”

“You know, sometimes you expect too much from me.”

“It is because I have found that sometimes, it is the smallest of things that keep the darkness at bay.”

“… Is it weird that I find you complementing me through the words of Gandalf slightly arousing?”

“What?? Yes, what the hell, man?”

“Okay, good, cause I’m just kidding. And I am not a man; I am a gender neutral imaginary voice.”

“No, Stop that. I’m the imaginary voice!”

“…I’m not a doctor… but your continued belief that you’re an imaginary voice is probably a red flag in a multitude of mental illnesses.”

“And your continued attempts to make me think I’m crazy are most definitely a sure sign to a multitude of DICKDOMS.”

“Ouch. Cat’s got claws.”

“…Can’t we just get along like we did in the old days?”

“My antagonistic comments are how I show affection…”

“Yeah… It’s kind of cute in a hissing snake sort of way.”

“…Are you hitting on me?”

“Well someone’s gotta do it.”

“Not this again.”

“Just kidding. Hug it out?”

“Maybe later.”

Samwise the Brave

The following is an assignment for Mr. Van Eek’s philosophy class (hence his name mentioned at the end of it) but ever since we’ve started our poetry unit in writers craft, I’ve been inspired to write poems, and so I turned this assignment into a poem. If Mr. Van Eek doesn’t like my creative approach, then I’ll tell him to blame it on you, Mr. Cvetich. 🙂

A Tribute to a Good Person – Ali Carroll

‘Samwise the Brave’

Samwise Gamgee: A simple man;

More fulfilled with the growing of gardens than with popularity,

More inclined to warm, lasting relations than light hearted hilarity,

Well spoken and clear headed, and one with such a rarity,

Of courage and bravery and morals of such clarity,

That the reason for my choice should be obvious.

To the aid of a friend he went without stall,

On a journey of danger, black riders and all,

To destroy the one ring, he would take the fall,

To do whatever it took, to end lord Sarum’s call.

A hero he was; a hero he is.

Tested with demon, orc and many a knife,

Charged in his heart, to save Frodo’s life,

And save it he did, through hardship and strife,

And made it back home to marry his wife.

So, why Samwise Gamgee? Why write about him?

A man who swam to his friend, knowing not how to swim,

Whose predictable journey changed on a whim,

To soot stained and broken, clutching the rim,

Of Mount Doom erupting in flame?

Because his is a story that deserves to be told,

A story more priceless, more valued than gold,

A story more brilliant and great to behold,

Because his is the story, that never gets old.

***

Zeno of Citium, founder of stoicism,

Would find no dispute nor ounce of criticism,

From Samwise the Gallant; the Brave.

For believe it, he does, and believe it the same,

As the previously stated, unusual name:

That to live, means to be happy.

And happiness is sought, and found all the same,

Through wisdom, experience, and moments of shame,

Where the beauty of life can be found.

The universe is planned, so why try to fight it,

Just do your best to live and unite it,

In a simple understanding of this:

That the forces of nature cannot be controlled,

That the chains round its neck, one cannot hold,

For the outcome will be disappointment.

And thus, Sam will state,

With complete lack of hate,

That the good life is meant for the wise.

But that it is not an unreachable goal,

For everyone and anyone, no matter their role,

In societies of the present and future.

All they must do is learn from their past,

And soon they will meet the good life at last,

And happiness will be there to greet them.

And so, Samwise Gamgee, Samwise the Brave,

Look at the lives, that you will save,

With your timeless, heroic story.

And if this assignment is missing the point,

Then for that, Mr. Van Eek,

I am sorry.

Life’s ‘Unanswerables’

The other day, my little cousin poked himself in the belly button to activate his buzz-lightyear wings. And my question is, why can’t everyone do that?

Anyone who says they have only one life to live must not know how to read a book. ~Author Unknown

Slow Down

So wrapped up

In the spinning of time

Clawing at hours

As they unwind

Keeping in silence

Thoughts of misgiving

Searching for ways

Of ultimate living

Filling your head

With ethereal thoughts

Hoping in vain

As opportunity rots

Breathe

Breathe

Open your eyes

Ease yourself down

This pathway of white.

Heart

Slow

Steady your pulse,

Rest down your head

Rest for tonight.

Yes. You’re right.

Just write. Just write, don’t worry about the ideas. Just let the words come. Check them later. Just write.

– Such a simple statement, easy to grasp, but hard to achieve. What does one write when one’s mind is blank – barren of thought or sound? I’ve spent too long away – too long dwelling in the glow of a moving picture box. My mind has been infiltrated with the ideas of others, and my own have been shoved back to a corner of my head that I can’t reach. Yes, you know of what I speak. The enticing tyrant cube, the epicentre of stolen time: The television.

But now I must ‘just write’. Ah, what ill fate has befallen me? Dark are the days of late. But when you hang for the sport of your own crows, we shall have peace… Gibbets and crows! Apparently there is a side effect of watching too much Lord of the Rings. “If I return, think better of me, father.”

And now we reach a point of inevitable confusion.

Meditation

Recently I’ve been practicing meditation, and it never ceases to amaze me how much clarity and confidence it can restore. I find that it’s so easy to get caught up in the common stress and pressures of life, that those problems begin to grow and morph into giant obstacles and roadblocks that wear you down to a bundle of anxieties. But there’s something about taking a few moments to centre yourself on your body and your breathing that puts those morphed obstacles back into perspective. In yoga, my teacher has us visualize each intake of breath as positive energy flowing through us, and as we breathe out, we are expelling all negative energy and thoughts from our conscience and our spirit. The effect it has is one of grounding and lucidity. Also, my Minister has taken to leading a period of guided meditation during my church services, where he associates prayer with each intake and exhale of breath. Both takes on meditation achieve an extremely restorative spiritual experience, and moments of clarity in a world where they’re hard to come by. After meditation, I often think; if more people did this regularly, we could cut back on over half of all aggression and animosity in our world. It’s almost impossible to hold on to hatred and anger throughout a period of effective meditation. I’d recommend it to anyone and everyone. It might take awhile to be able to clear your head of all outside thoughts, some of you may have doubts on the true effectiveness of meditation, but I encourage you to try it out. It’s not just for monks in robes and humming ‘Om’, it can be beneficial for everyone.