The last section of the novel Suite Francaise provides some closure to a few themes touched on in the novel, but doesn’t resolve the war. As seen earlier, a difference in attitude had lead to a great difference in acceptance and overall mood. The final chapters however attempt to explain how this accepting attitude may be reached, and problems solved. In chapter twenty the Germans and French both express that they have faults. In a conversation with a friendly German soldier, a Frenchman said, “We Frenchmen have very short memories; this is both our strength and our weakness!”(340). The German soldier responds, “we Germans too have a weakness that is also our greatest quality: our tactlessness”(340). By openly speaking of their differences a working, peaceful relationship can grow, as it does in the novel. By stating their strengths and weaknesses the rivals are getting to know each other, and understand that their enemy doesn’t only have weaknesses. This part reminded me of our class discussion when we talked about how to make peace and coexistence. Our group responded nurturing was an answer, but also that openness and willingness to accept another culture is key. By easily accepting their rival’s culture, they were able to live together peacefully and without hostility.
The book ends in a peaceful time, where the people of the village have accepted and sometimes enjoyed the company of the soldiers, and now the soldiers are leaving their village for good. The strange thing is the peace they are feeling so early on in the war, as the soldiers left in 1941. In fact, the last few lines of the book are a peaceful conversation you would expect two people to be having over coffee instead of a recently occupied village in the midst of war. A man says, “I’ve just heard on the radio that they’re at war with Russia,” a seemingly normal statement during wartime (357). This is followed however by his statement, “It’ll be dry again tomorrow,” a normal expression when one has nothing better to talk about (357). The odd peace at the conclusion of the story shows not only that the people have come to peace with the soldiers, but with the situation, and are no longer the anxious animals as earlier portrayed. A fine piece of literature and for those who will be reading it for outside reading, it has many discussable points, both in the writing style and theme (and maybe even more).
Nemirovsky, Irene. “Suite Francaise”. New York: Random House, 2006.
Tuesday, March 17, 2009
Thursday, March 12, 2009
Outside Reading Quarter 3: Post 5
The second part of the book calms down on the international conflict, but the personal anger grows between soldier and host. As Kurt enters the house of Madeline and Benoit, he interests Madeline in his worldly knowledge. This angers Benoit who realizes that Madeline might not truly love him after all, and the soldier visiting is just an outlet of her interests in a more exciting, or at least different life. The differences in attitude towards the soldiers I have already mentioned, however this section lead me to take this difference in acceptance to another level, one that may be applied to daily life.
I have noticed that the author will describe a scene in third person, focusing on the action, then suddenly switch to a few lines of commentary that give an idea toward the theme the author is trying to prove. While this writing style has been present throughout the whole novel, the way the author uses it to enhance the mood of these chapters really brought forth its expertise to light. An example of this kind of quote usage is towards the end of the 11th chapter when there is a debate about the Germans occupying their town. One argues, “They’re human, like us,” but is confronted with the rebuttal, “Yes, but my poor girl, when people say ‘a German,’ of course they know he’s just a man, but what they mean to say, what is so terrible, is that he’s killed Frenchmen, that they’re holding our relatives prisoner, that they’re starving us…”(276). The use of this quote shows the reader the struggle that was verbal as well as mental regarding the soldiers, and brings the struggle closer to home as it is no longer in the omnipotent 3rd person and is rather in a more believable spoken conflict. I find this passage interesting because with only lightly considering the situation, one can’t make judgments. With looking at the people in the village it is easy to think they should hate their captors, but we must look at it the other way, and realize the captors are just humans as well. This may apply to several situations on a scale not a grandiose as war. When encountering a problem person, or someone you have a conflict with, one must think of the situation they are facing, and not be to fast to judge. While their will always be bad people in our world, some are forced into an action that hurts others, an action they themselves would not like to take.
Nemirovsky, Irene. “Suite Francaise”. New York: Random House, 2006.
I have noticed that the author will describe a scene in third person, focusing on the action, then suddenly switch to a few lines of commentary that give an idea toward the theme the author is trying to prove. While this writing style has been present throughout the whole novel, the way the author uses it to enhance the mood of these chapters really brought forth its expertise to light. An example of this kind of quote usage is towards the end of the 11th chapter when there is a debate about the Germans occupying their town. One argues, “They’re human, like us,” but is confronted with the rebuttal, “Yes, but my poor girl, when people say ‘a German,’ of course they know he’s just a man, but what they mean to say, what is so terrible, is that he’s killed Frenchmen, that they’re holding our relatives prisoner, that they’re starving us…”(276). The use of this quote shows the reader the struggle that was verbal as well as mental regarding the soldiers, and brings the struggle closer to home as it is no longer in the omnipotent 3rd person and is rather in a more believable spoken conflict. I find this passage interesting because with only lightly considering the situation, one can’t make judgments. With looking at the people in the village it is easy to think they should hate their captors, but we must look at it the other way, and realize the captors are just humans as well. This may apply to several situations on a scale not a grandiose as war. When encountering a problem person, or someone you have a conflict with, one must think of the situation they are facing, and not be to fast to judge. While their will always be bad people in our world, some are forced into an action that hurts others, an action they themselves would not like to take.
Nemirovsky, Irene. “Suite Francaise”. New York: Random House, 2006.
Friday, March 6, 2009
Outside Reading Quarter 3: Post 4
At the end of the first section, the author brings out the feeling that the war has torn everyone apart, and caused grief and sorrow to almost everyone. The feeling at the end of the section is that while the beginning of the war didn’t seem too bad, everyone was negatively affected some way. From the rich city dweller, to the poor urban worker and out to humble farmers, friends and family members were lost, as well as a loss of dignity and profit. The author can summarize this feeling by bringing the small short stories in the part of the book to a conclusion. Many of the families returned back to Paris, just to realize its emptiness without their loved ones there. When told her son would return, Madame Michaud now contradicted their opinion, thinking, “No. She didn’t believe it any more”(204). This general negative attitude was clear from others, such as the farmers, who were lucky enough to get their son back. While they weren’t mourning the loss of their son, they rather missed their life of old, and were out substantial money.
In the beginning of the next part of the book the focus turns from many people leaving Paris to a small village in France, about to be occupied for the third time. An interesting mix of attitudes is shown in the next few chapters. The Germans rudely enter the town on Easter Sunday, but later are very nice to the children, and even charming in Angellier house. When the soldier arrived, Lucile thought, “My God, how many Frenchmen has he killed?”(216). It doesn’t take her long though to arrive at the new thought, “That’s how war is; it isn’t this boy’s fault”(216). That accepting attitude seemed to permeate throughout the village, and these Germans weren’t the monsters they were rumored to be. After all, their loved ones were off fighting in the war, and they weren’t monsters at all and didn’t even want to fight. The book reminds us that in almost all situations it is not the soldier’s fault; he is just the one that carries out commands.
Nemirovsky, Irene. “Suite Francaise”. New York: Random House, 2006.
In the beginning of the next part of the book the focus turns from many people leaving Paris to a small village in France, about to be occupied for the third time. An interesting mix of attitudes is shown in the next few chapters. The Germans rudely enter the town on Easter Sunday, but later are very nice to the children, and even charming in Angellier house. When the soldier arrived, Lucile thought, “My God, how many Frenchmen has he killed?”(216). It doesn’t take her long though to arrive at the new thought, “That’s how war is; it isn’t this boy’s fault”(216). That accepting attitude seemed to permeate throughout the village, and these Germans weren’t the monsters they were rumored to be. After all, their loved ones were off fighting in the war, and they weren’t monsters at all and didn’t even want to fight. The book reminds us that in almost all situations it is not the soldier’s fault; he is just the one that carries out commands.
Nemirovsky, Irene. “Suite Francaise”. New York: Random House, 2006.
Thursday, February 26, 2009
Outside Reading Quarter 3: Post 3
We are often told to look for the good in the people around us, especially the people we dislike. The book “Suite Francaise” shows examples of peoples’ enemies that turned out to be much more pleasant and good-natured that expected, but I also shows people who, even when pressed with love, projected only hatred and contempt. As soldiers approach a small village, all the people in the village shut themselves in their houses due to their fear of the Germans. When the soldiers arrive the villagers realize they are not that bad at all. As a boy gazes upon the soldier he hears, “shouting, laughter, singing”(103). These are not the sounds they expected to hear, and are just what you would expect from any victorious soldier. While the thought of France being taken over is still painful for the boy, he the soldiers were much more human that earlier predicted by all. The opposite of this was also seen as Father Pericand leads a group of juvenile delinquents out of Paris. The priest doesn’t admit it, but can’t stand being around the children. He tries to be friendly and share God’s love, but he realizes, “their souls were shut off, walled up”(136). As the priest doesn’t enjoy the company of the children, he still tries to find some joy in their souls, but ends up finding none. The book sends mixed messages on regards to what to expect from those you don’t get along with. The book is consistent however, in that it always shows examples of people attempting to change their perception of others.
Another idea brought up in “Suite Francaise” is that with the right expectations many situations will turn out to be not so bad. A woman grieves in the absence of her son who is off fighting in the war. This grief is fueled by her continual search for him whenever troops pass by. This bad expectation for her son to turn up makes the situation much worse, and brings out her pain each time. This change of expectations ends up helping Gabriel Corte, a snobby, rich celebrity. When he finally finds a room to stay in at a familiar hotel, Gabriel is given a room on the 4th floor, much below his usual standards. In response to an apology for the bad accommodations, Gabriel says, “nothing matters at the moment”(157). Gabriel is used to the top floor, but has changed his expectations and thus is not disappointed and actually relieved by any room he can get. The responses of the characters in this novel support that with adjusted expectations, many situations aren’t as bad as they may seem.
Nemirovsky, Irene. “Suite Francaise”. New York: Random House, 2006.
Another idea brought up in “Suite Francaise” is that with the right expectations many situations will turn out to be not so bad. A woman grieves in the absence of her son who is off fighting in the war. This grief is fueled by her continual search for him whenever troops pass by. This bad expectation for her son to turn up makes the situation much worse, and brings out her pain each time. This change of expectations ends up helping Gabriel Corte, a snobby, rich celebrity. When he finally finds a room to stay in at a familiar hotel, Gabriel is given a room on the 4th floor, much below his usual standards. In response to an apology for the bad accommodations, Gabriel says, “nothing matters at the moment”(157). Gabriel is used to the top floor, but has changed his expectations and thus is not disappointed and actually relieved by any room he can get. The responses of the characters in this novel support that with adjusted expectations, many situations aren’t as bad as they may seem.
Nemirovsky, Irene. “Suite Francaise”. New York: Random House, 2006.
Thursday, February 19, 2009
Outside Reading Quarter 3: Post 2
In the novel “Suite Francaise”, Irene Nemirovsky writes very short paragraphs, with each paragraph
following a different family. There are around five different stories in the beginning of the novel,
but they start to intertwine as the story progresses. The different characters allow for different
perspective into the same situation, creating an in depth setting. By keeping the paragraphs short,
the story flows well, and sections don’t get to far apart time-wise. I like the style, and it keeps me
reading because every chapter you read you only get a glimpse of what is happening to each character.
Early on there is a lot of tension between the different social classes of people. The morals of the
rich disgust the poor, and the poor get in the way of the affluent. However, as the bombs begin to fall
on the refugees they start to care for each other, disregarding previous differences. A lower class
woman goes out of her way to help lost children find their mothers. Jeanne Michaud takes the children,
“to the cathedral” and directed their parents where to find them (61). Jeanne does this without
thinking of what class the parent of the children is, and simply does it out of an empathetic kindness.
Earlier in the novel every line of Jeanne reflects her view toward other social classes, and here she is seen
helping everyone around her. A wealthy dancer also helps a young man find a room to stay in before
getting to know him. She tells the boy she will, “go downstairs and ask for a room” for him (96). The
boy turns out to be from a wealthy family, but this act of kindness toward another person wasn’t seen any
other time from the actress. The actions of people from all classes changed when they had to leave their
homes. As shown by many characters in “Suite Francaise”, when survival is at the front of people’s mind,
they may act more indifferently towards each other and erase the distinct lines of social class.
Nemirovsky, Irene. “Suite Francaise”. New York: Random House, 2006.
following a different family. There are around five different stories in the beginning of the novel,
but they start to intertwine as the story progresses. The different characters allow for different
perspective into the same situation, creating an in depth setting. By keeping the paragraphs short,
the story flows well, and sections don’t get to far apart time-wise. I like the style, and it keeps me
reading because every chapter you read you only get a glimpse of what is happening to each character.
Early on there is a lot of tension between the different social classes of people. The morals of the
rich disgust the poor, and the poor get in the way of the affluent. However, as the bombs begin to fall
on the refugees they start to care for each other, disregarding previous differences. A lower class
woman goes out of her way to help lost children find their mothers. Jeanne Michaud takes the children,
“to the cathedral” and directed their parents where to find them (61). Jeanne does this without
thinking of what class the parent of the children is, and simply does it out of an empathetic kindness.
Earlier in the novel every line of Jeanne reflects her view toward other social classes, and here she is seen
helping everyone around her. A wealthy dancer also helps a young man find a room to stay in before
getting to know him. She tells the boy she will, “go downstairs and ask for a room” for him (96). The
boy turns out to be from a wealthy family, but this act of kindness toward another person wasn’t seen any
other time from the actress. The actions of people from all classes changed when they had to leave their
homes. As shown by many characters in “Suite Francaise”, when survival is at the front of people’s mind,
they may act more indifferently towards each other and erase the distinct lines of social class.
Nemirovsky, Irene. “Suite Francaise”. New York: Random House, 2006.
Thursday, February 12, 2009
Outside Reading Quarter 3: Post 1
The novel “Suite Française” takes place in the year 1940 in France. The novel opens in Paris, following several families and their attempt to flee the city. The people in the city seem to be scared of the war coming on them, but none of the families were in a frantic rush to leave the city as quickly as possible. The novel highlights the reactions of different individuals to the pending threat of German invasion of Paris. A poor, working class couple is sad, yet not scared of dieing. A rich writer is annoyed at his uprooting. A rich family gathers their many precious belongings and drives their servants to a friend’s estate. The wide range of social standing and attitude reflects how World War II affected everyone, not only those with family members in the war. Looking back at the war people would realize that they should have left their houses in Paris immediately, but fear can make people act strangely.
A major theme introduce in the beginning of the novel is how attitude can affect one’s flexibility and well-being. Some people see the war coming and continue to look for loved ones gone away to fight for their country, the hopeful yet sad feeling. Jeanne Michaud scans soldiers looking for her son and tells herself, “He does look like him, doesn’t he?”(56). Jeanne wants her son to be alive, and scans troops to find him. She knows this hope is in vain, and her son is hundreds of miles away, but it is the hope that keeps her spirits up. Some people, on the other hand, address the war as a vacation, not realizing the severity of the situation. Madame Pericand didn’t pack very much food, and went to a food shop along the way out of Paris. When asking for some biscuits the grocer replies, “We’ve got nothing left, Madame”(52). Madame Pericand surely understands there is a war going on, but didn’t realize what it would mean to her life style. She doesn’t understand what she must give up in the time of war, and has a hard time adjusting. The different attitudes of the people fleeing Paris show that one’s attitude is the basis for one’s flexibility.
Nemirovsky, Irene. “Suite Francaise”. New York: Random House, 2006.
A major theme introduce in the beginning of the novel is how attitude can affect one’s flexibility and well-being. Some people see the war coming and continue to look for loved ones gone away to fight for their country, the hopeful yet sad feeling. Jeanne Michaud scans soldiers looking for her son and tells herself, “He does look like him, doesn’t he?”(56). Jeanne wants her son to be alive, and scans troops to find him. She knows this hope is in vain, and her son is hundreds of miles away, but it is the hope that keeps her spirits up. Some people, on the other hand, address the war as a vacation, not realizing the severity of the situation. Madame Pericand didn’t pack very much food, and went to a food shop along the way out of Paris. When asking for some biscuits the grocer replies, “We’ve got nothing left, Madame”(52). Madame Pericand surely understands there is a war going on, but didn’t realize what it would mean to her life style. She doesn’t understand what she must give up in the time of war, and has a hard time adjusting. The different attitudes of the people fleeing Paris show that one’s attitude is the basis for one’s flexibility.
Nemirovsky, Irene. “Suite Francaise”. New York: Random House, 2006.
Sunday, January 4, 2009
Outside Reading Post 6
While Mortenson's efforts in Pakistan were truly heroic, the fact that he left his family for months at a time, and constantly was waking up at 3 am to work on Pakistan time can't be overlooked. Many people consider Mortenson as a hero for his brave, persistent efforts to educate Pakistan's rural poor, especially girls, and counter terrorism in his education of moderate beliefs and hope for a better future that he installed in the children. However, his wife, Tara, and their children had to live with their father continually entering a dangerous environment, with the very likely possibility that he would not return. Christiane Letinger stated that she believe Tara to be as heroic as Greg. Letinger argues, "Tara not only allows it, but supports it, because she believes so strongly in Greg's mission. If that's not heroism I don't know what is" (304). Tara had to go through countless nightmares, and even when Greg is at home, can count on him sleeping odd hours and traveling for fundraising speeches. Tara is clearly the perfect match for Greg, as she supports and puts up with his crazy lifestyle.
The lifestyle that Greg leads made me wonder if he made the right ethical decision when he decided to start a family and get married. While Tara does support him, he really isn't a functional part of their relationship, and seems to have limited influence and interaction with his kids. Does Greg's care for the people on the other side of the world block him from acting as he should at home? From what I could pick up from the reading it seemed that he wasn't leading a ethical life at home, by his neglect of family duties. However, this may be the correct ethical decision, as by neglecting his family, he is helping thousands of people worldwide. While I think Greg leads a very ethical life, I believe he could do more for his family, even while maintaining his involvement on his project.
Mortenson, Greg, and David Relin. “Three Cups of Tea”. New York: Penguin Group, 2006.
The lifestyle that Greg leads made me wonder if he made the right ethical decision when he decided to start a family and get married. While Tara does support him, he really isn't a functional part of their relationship, and seems to have limited influence and interaction with his kids. Does Greg's care for the people on the other side of the world block him from acting as he should at home? From what I could pick up from the reading it seemed that he wasn't leading a ethical life at home, by his neglect of family duties. However, this may be the correct ethical decision, as by neglecting his family, he is helping thousands of people worldwide. While I think Greg leads a very ethical life, I believe he could do more for his family, even while maintaining his involvement on his project.
Mortenson, Greg, and David Relin. “Three Cups of Tea”. New York: Penguin Group, 2006.
Outside Reading Post 5
When learning about the many negative affect of drugs, we were introduced to the idea that the money spent on them world go to helping many illegal organizations around the world. My health teacher traced through the money that was spent on heroin would hurt the environment and help fuel wars, while also hurting your body. The idea of bad money is one that many people understand, and no ethical person wants to use the money a drug dealer made. Mortenson needed a lot of money to finance his many projects in Pakistan, and few Americans were willing to donate to his cause. As Mortenson saw his funds dwindle and became scared for the future of his organization, he accepted money from anyone that would donate to him. Mortenson thought of the conflict when he was paying his respects to Mother Teresa just after her death. He recounted how she had been criticized for he acceptance of money from corrupt persons, but Mortenson agreed with her actions (237). Mortenson saw how difficult it had been for him to collect even the 20,000 dollars he needed for a school, and understood Mother Teresa's actions.
Should money be accepted to help a good cause that came from a corrupt source? The point can really be argued either way. On one hand the money would go to help many people, such as the children the Mortenson was helping in Pakistan, and any money received would help. However, accepting the money indirectly contributed or supported the corrupt persons actions. Mortenson believed that the fact that the person donated the money may have showed a change in heart, and accepted any money thankfully. I agree that for the most part his actions spoke to the more ethical choice, however there will always be special cases that do not fit with his generalized assumption.
Mortenson, Greg, and David Relin. “Three Cups of Tea”. New York: Penguin Group, 2006.
Should money be accepted to help a good cause that came from a corrupt source? The point can really be argued either way. On one hand the money would go to help many people, such as the children the Mortenson was helping in Pakistan, and any money received would help. However, accepting the money indirectly contributed or supported the corrupt persons actions. Mortenson believed that the fact that the person donated the money may have showed a change in heart, and accepted any money thankfully. I agree that for the most part his actions spoke to the more ethical choice, however there will always be special cases that do not fit with his generalized assumption.
Mortenson, Greg, and David Relin. “Three Cups of Tea”. New York: Penguin Group, 2006.
Outside Reading Post 4
When Greg Mortenson decided to become the founder and head of the Central Asia Institute, he took on an challenge that he was ready for. As his trips to Pakistan increased in frequency and duration, he found more areas that needed his help, and found himself traveling to the outermost regions of the country. As his duties increased, he had less time to spend talking to the heads of the villages he was going to build in, which lead to a lack in some of his social understanding of their unique culture. When Mortenson visited Wiziristan, a desert area on Pakistan's border, he had the intention of building them a school. He soon learned that the regions hatred toward Americans was growing, however this enlightenment occurred after his capture. As I read of Greg's travels and his decreasing intimate contact with town leaders, I thought of the struggle that must be going through his mind. He had to make a choice, either he would build less schools learn more about each individual towns culture and needs, or he could build as many schools as possible, and lose his close relationships and the possibility to cater directly to the area's specific needs. This decision required Mortenson to think of what he cared about most. Mortenson was able to come to some middle ground by hiring Pakistani employees that could share important cultural information, while leaving Mortenson with the time to build as many schools and town centers as possible.
As could be expected, conflicts arose from Mortenson's lack of relationships with town leaders. On his trip to Waziristan, the Haji Wazir, their town leader, captured Mortenson and held him hostage for ten days (165). Mortenson realized that he must make some diplomatic relations before planting himself in an area and attempting to solve their problems. After he learned that Haji Wazir had taken him in to see if he was anti-Islam or a secret agent, Mortenson was sure to get to know important Pakistani leaders personally so they could see his works were for the better of all the people of Pakistan. Mortenson had many difficult decisions to make on his quest to help as many children as he could, but his ethical choices help define him as the hero many people consider him to be.
Mortenson, Greg, and David Relin. “Three Cups of Tea”. New York: Penguin Group, 2006.
As could be expected, conflicts arose from Mortenson's lack of relationships with town leaders. On his trip to Waziristan, the Haji Wazir, their town leader, captured Mortenson and held him hostage for ten days (165). Mortenson realized that he must make some diplomatic relations before planting himself in an area and attempting to solve their problems. After he learned that Haji Wazir had taken him in to see if he was anti-Islam or a secret agent, Mortenson was sure to get to know important Pakistani leaders personally so they could see his works were for the better of all the people of Pakistan. Mortenson had many difficult decisions to make on his quest to help as many children as he could, but his ethical choices help define him as the hero many people consider him to be.
Mortenson, Greg, and David Relin. “Three Cups of Tea”. New York: Penguin Group, 2006.
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