Ben is working on an organizer for a writing assignment to address the question: "Using the elements of character (who the author reveals people to be),setting (time and place), plot (events that occur) and theme (author'smessage), prove that LBITU is scifi and that BFG is fantasy. Show how each book could not fit the definition of the other genre."
We are examining the differences between Science Fiction and Fantasy.
I realized that we have not adequately addressed the issue of 'Theme' for either book. What are the authors of LBITU and BFG trying to say?
Wednesday, April 30, 2008
Themes
Posted by Mr. Z at 8:58 AM
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3 Comments:
For The Last Book in the Universe, I think the message was don’t do something, until you know what it will do to you. My hint was both the journey and the mind probes. All of the people had to use them, but after one use, they couldn’t stop. And on the journey, they came back, and killed wryter for shutting off all mind probes. Also, I don’t think that Roald Dahl was trying to say anything in The BFG. It seems like fiction doesn’t really have a point, but amusement. Would you agree with me?
There were a couple of themes in LBITU. The one that I connected the most with was that technology is disconnecting us from our sense of self. In LBITU, the probes had caused the normal to lose their sense of memory and the past. It is possible that Philbrick was even commenting on how the digital age is changing our relationship with physical books – not for the better. The key was that technology was disconnecting us from ourselves and others. He was also commenting on the concept of ‘Normal’, though that area of the book was less interesting to me.
Was the BFG just a fun read? I think that Doald was speaking to power and how to use it. The BFG certainly could have taken the path of the other giants (the easy path that most chose to take) but he chose to serve the common good instead – and this came at a personal cost to him (snoozecombers!).
I'm reviewing the site for evidence of theme for LBITU and I cannot ignore all the quotes that we have about memory. Books are about memory and preserving the history and past of a society. The technology has changed society but the loss of memory is what allows it to continue. Ryter's love for books is about recording the great adventures and lessons of life and leaving behind a permanent memory for any reader.
The BFG has a less lofty theme but still one worth noting. Sophie is introduced to a giant that is the antithesis of a typical giant, the Bonecruncher and Fleshlumpeater being aptly described by their names. The BFG is also aptly described as the big, friendly giant. She learns a lesson about recognition and acceptance- are people always who you assume them to be or do you need to get beyond their looks to figure out who they are on the inside? There's also a lesson about finding your inner strength and when to rely and depend upon others.
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