Roundtable Discussion #3

http://vimeo.com/38575011

Tintin and I discussing which character to write a playlist for. Tune in next week, folks!

Emily - Blog Post #2

I find that Farmer’s writing when it comes to characterization is creative and profound. Characterization (so far) has interested me the most about this novel, because I find that she explores all kind of characters as well, such as foils, dynamic characters, and stock characters. An example of a foil would be between Celia and Rosa, as they are both caregivers for Matt, but Celia acts as a more motherly and caring character, and Rosa acts like Matt is the most disgusting thing in sight and is constantly scolding him. Another foil in the novel so far is between Matt and Tom. I find Matt to be a humble, curious and kind character, and Tom is basically the opposite. On page 13 there is a conversation between Celia and Matt, where Celia explains that Tom is always teasing Maria and playing tricks on her. "She at least has good manners. Her sister, Maria, is about your age and plays with Tom. Well, some might call it play. Most of the time she winds up crying her eyes out." (Farmer 13). Later on throughout the novel, while Matt is imprisoned, you see Tom’s true colours comes out when he shows up only to make fun of Matt and shoot peas at him. Although it is not as prominent, I still think that she touches on stock characters when it comes to the children. I find Tom the stereotypical little boy that’s always getting into trouble, and Maria to be a stereotypical character that is always teased by a Tom-like character. 

Tintin - Blog Post #2

So far in The House of the Scorpion Farmer's strong figurative language has kept a firm grip on my attention. I was surprised to see how much I liked the metaphors in this novel, especially because after reading another novel (The Curious Incident of the Dog in the Nighttime) which had almost no figurative language whatsoever, aside from a simile here and there. Tam Lin's explanation of El Patron's twisted branches gave me a much more in-depth idea of the drug lord's sinister character. "When [El Patron] was young, he made a choice, like a tree does when it decides to grow one way or the other. He grew large and green until he shadowed over the entire forest, but most of his branches are twisted." (Farmer 70) The metaphors, similes and other forms of figurative language are used in The House of the Scorpion sparingly; which is something I appreciate as well. The purpose of figurative language is to enhance the reader's understanding of the novel in a more poetic way. They should not to coat the story with unnecessary figurative language that if anything, confuse the readers. Farmer clearly has a knack for allowing metaphors and hyperboles make an appearance now and then, this way she "times" her writing in a way. Splicing in incredibly vibrant figurative language into her writing on occasion. I mean really, who wants to read a novel filled entirely with metaphorical nonsense that only makes sense "if you get it"? Foils are used quite effectively in The House of the Scorpion, Matt's foil, Tom makes Matt's shy and behaved personality stand out even more. Farmer's figurative language is mind shattering to a girl who can't help but be too straightforward with her words, and whenever I see a nicely used metaphor or simile in literature I can't help but applaud them for their literary achievement. Typically figurative language is not exactly my cup of tea, however, when it is used well and again, sparingly they are proven to be quite effective. 

Tintin - Blog Post #1

What are you wondering about?

• Throughout the novel, Matt is described as a filthy, useless clone. I have already inferred that The House of the Scorpion is set in the future; therefore, with futuristic technology clones can be conceived through a cow uterus. This form of birthing even in the future is unorthodox, and by being created in a glass dish is far more than enough to set up jeers from ruthless children. Clones are often expected to be idiots (or eejits) that are thought of as not housebroken, (much like a dog, per say) dribbling messes of puke and often not even considered humans. Due to the norms of society, clones are petrified to speak with fear of being belittled and have little to none interaction with the outside world, only because they are different. This brings about the questions: “what purpose do clones serve?” and “why are people so frightened and disgusted by Matt, even though he isn’t fixed?”
• María and Celia are thus far the only people who have shown any kindness towards Matt. Towards the end of chapter 5, the two visit Matt in his sawdust “kingdom” and bring words of salvation and hope. The question now is how will María and Celia save Matt? I can’t really see Celia, a lowly cook and caregiver defying any commands and intruding into the Alacrán Estate, however, I could certainly see María stepping up to the plate and attempting to free Matt. But will Matt even want to be saved? After Matt felt relieved once María and Celia had left, it seems as if he would never like to leave his orderly kingdom or abandon his insect empire. (Farmer 49)

Has anything struck you about this section?

• What stood out a great deal to me was how sheltered Matt’s life was; living in a house in the middle of a poppy field with appliances barricaded, which prevented any kind of accidents from happening to Matt. Clearly his existence and safety is incredibly important, which is also proven by the frequent doctor's visits while he is imprisoned in the Alacrán Estate. Matt's survival must greatly affect someone or something in the novel. We now know that Matt is a clone of El Patron, but the reason behind his existence is still unclear. Only being exposed to human beings aside from Celia must have been nothing less of both frightening and thrilling for Matt, considering he is threatened that if he were ever to leave his house the Chupacabra would eat him alive. 
• Rosa's strong distain towards Matt, and clones in general is unusual; I find it to be somewhat irrational and similar to that of racism. Though it shouldn't surprise me that discrimination in the novel is evident, what caught me off guard was Rosa's instantaneous hostility towards Matt, right after discovering that he was not a poor boy whose feet were bloody and covered in shards of glass, but instead a clone in that same situation. Had clones wronged her in the past? Matt hadn't done anything to Rosa, if anything at the beginning he was thankful for her being there and having a doctor remove the splinters of glass from his worn soles and disinfecting the deep, bloody gashes. He stayed quiet, but once "Property of Alacrán Estate" had been seen on Matt's foot, Rosa literally threw him out of the house. Perhaps she was worried of the consequences of having a clone belonging to somebody as powerful as El Patron with her, maybe she thought that  her superiors would have thought she had mutilated Matt's body?

Why is Farmer making the choices that she is in this first section?

• Farmer's choice to not allow the readers to know who El Patron is yet is very deliberate, which creates a very long cliffhanger. I constantly find myself wondering what purpose does Matt serve towards El Patron, is it important enough that Rosa hasn't killed Matt over it?
• Matt and Tom are foils to each other, completely opposite in all ways personality-wise. Tom is selfish and obnoxious, whereas Matt is compassionate and soft-spoken. Farmer made these decisions because Tom and Matt's contrasting personalities make readers highlight our protagonist, Matt's character. 

Emily - Blog Post #1

 What are you going to explore from this first section of the novel?

For this section I really want to explore Matt and his original “being”. I’m really curious about his life and his decision to have a clone, more so I’m curious about the background of cloning in the first place.

 What you wondering about? 

At the moment I am really wondering about the discrimination against clones. I could totally understand if people considered them different, or weird, or perhaps even like a different species, but I don’t understand why they would treat clones like filthy animals that don’t deserve any of the rights that everyone else does. I personally think that some of these discriminatory thoughts are based on the heavy religion that is portrayed throughout the town, and perhaps they think of clones as un-pure, not a creation of God, or maybe even unsanitary.

 Has anything struck you about this section? 

The main thing that has struck me about the first section of the book is the whole set up of the characters, particularly the original Matt. It’s interesting how he decides to have a house keeper to take care of the clone, and that he isolates them from the rest of the town and puts them in a house in the middle of a poppy field.

·      Why is Farmer making the choices that she is in this first section?

I think Farmer is making these choices because she is trying to relate to some concepts in modern times, as well as connections to history, (such as religion, mythical creatures, and kingdoms) but putting them in a more futuristic twist to express a certain message. Specifically for the first section, I think that Farmer is trying to focus on the characters and their personalities, the social circumstances of the setting, and how they cope with such things like cloning and kingdoms. 

Round Table #2: Setting

Round Table #1: Author's Choices