"The Girls"
by Lori Lansens
The theme in this novel is accented by the characters, actions and imagery. Rose and Ruby, the two main characters teach us the theme. Through their actions the imagery is created and the theme is developed through the stories told. One of the main reasons why I really enjoyed reading this novel is because of the theme.
Right from day one the theme that was expressed is co-operation and commitment. These girls have grown, learnt, and experienced everything together as separate people but are unified as one. Even though they learn at different paces and have different levels of knowledge they still learn things together. They go through all the same experiences both good and bad.
In the end these girls have a connection like no one else. They are able to sense each others thoughts, and finish each others sentences. Seeing a connection like that within the world we live in today is mesmerising. In today's society people look at someone who is different from them in a negative way and single them out. These girls show us that it is possible to have different interests and thoughts but still be able to live peacefully together. Rose and Ruby's lives depend on one another, meaning when one of them feels hurt or ill so does the other. Consequently, they have to help each other to stay out of harm. People should look at others this way and think that when someone is hurt or struggling, you will also feel their pain too and have empathy for them instead of worrying just about your busy life.
One of the last paragraphs Rose writes in her autobiography before her death is, "I have never looked into my sisters eyes, but I've seen inside her soul. I have never worn a hat, but i have been kissed like that. I have never raised both arms at once, but the moon beguiled me still. Sleep is for suckers. I like the bus just fine. And though I've never climed a tree, I've scaled a mountain, and thats a hell of a thing. One more change I might make is to say that I wouldn't live a thousand lives, but a million to infinity to live the life I've lived as me. I am Rose Darlen of Baldoon County. Beloved sister of Ruby. The world's oldest surviving craniopagus twin. Aunt Lovey and Uncle Stash were right. How lucky Ruby and I have been to be "The Girls."" These girls are happy the way they are. When they were born the odds were against them to live, but with strength they over came that. They feel their lives have been fullfilled because they have loved and been loved. Maybe they did not get to do everything they may have wanted to do but they were happy.
I feel this is a message that needs to be emphasised in todays society. If we do not have everything we want or feel that we need, we are unhappy. Overall we need to give our heads a little shake and look at what is really important.
Friday, March 6, 2009
Thursday, March 5, 2009
Third Response
"The Girls"
by Lori Lansens
Who else would be better to write an autobiography of your life but you? "The Girls" is an autobiography that is written by the main character Rose. Rose gets Ruby to write a couple of the chapters because it is the story of her life too. This style is effective because the reader then gets the first hand opinions and ideas of both of the girls. While writing, they will not let the other read what they have written. In the end they plan to put all their thoughts together. The way this is done is effective because opinions from both of the girls are given for different situations.
While telling their story the use of flashbacks is effective. Currently they are twenty nine turning thirty. When they are talking about a certain point in their life they flash back to it so that you as the reader feel like you are there watching. Due to the description that they use with everything they talk about which paints a picture in your mind. This gives you a double perspective because how they feel now about the situation is described as well as how they felt while it was happening.
A very informal tone is used through the novel. The way they talk is upbeat and exciting keeping the reader engaged. Tone, is the the voice that is trying to be heard through writing. Many examples are used to describe their life experiences.
Overall I felt the style used was very effective, especially the use of flash back and tone. I felt flashbacks gave a better understanding of the events happening, and the tone contributed to the perspective that the reader interprets.
by Lori Lansens
Who else would be better to write an autobiography of your life but you? "The Girls" is an autobiography that is written by the main character Rose. Rose gets Ruby to write a couple of the chapters because it is the story of her life too. This style is effective because the reader then gets the first hand opinions and ideas of both of the girls. While writing, they will not let the other read what they have written. In the end they plan to put all their thoughts together. The way this is done is effective because opinions from both of the girls are given for different situations.
While telling their story the use of flashbacks is effective. Currently they are twenty nine turning thirty. When they are talking about a certain point in their life they flash back to it so that you as the reader feel like you are there watching. Due to the description that they use with everything they talk about which paints a picture in your mind. This gives you a double perspective because how they feel now about the situation is described as well as how they felt while it was happening.
A very informal tone is used through the novel. The way they talk is upbeat and exciting keeping the reader engaged. Tone, is the the voice that is trying to be heard through writing. Many examples are used to describe their life experiences.
Overall I felt the style used was very effective, especially the use of flash back and tone. I felt flashbacks gave a better understanding of the events happening, and the tone contributed to the perspective that the reader interprets.
Tuesday, March 3, 2009
Second Response:
"The Girls"
by Lori Lansens
Conflict is a struggle or clash between two people with opposing needs, ideas, values and beliefs. Between the two main characters in "The Girls" there is a great deal of conflict. A variety of conflicts are expected which arise when there are two girl that are permanently attached at the head.
They have conflicts of interest; Rose is more interested in sports and reading, while Ruby is more girly. There's also conflicts with their looks as Rose is jealous of Ruby's looks because Ruby is more attractive, and Rose has a slanted face.
I feel as though it would be very difficult to function if someone was attached to my head. Despite the condition that Ruby and Rose are in I feel that they over come this conflict quite well. Ruby is too small and unable to walk so Rose has to carry Ruby everywhere they go. There are also difficult challenges that they have to overcome that make them jealous of each other. Rose is capable of having children of her own, while Ruby can not have children. Both of the girls are good at separate things. Ruby is not strong in school, but she is good at art, and Rose is good at school and wants to go to university. Of the girls, Rose is the only one capable of going to university. Ruby does not want to have to go and sit through all of Rose's classes and live at university therefore Rose has to give up her opportunity to go to school which would be very upsetting. Due to a weak stomach Ruby gets very sick while travelling long distances, meaning that both girls are unable to travel. Having to give up certain things because your sister was not able to do them would be extremely upsetting. As well, watching someone who is attached to you do something that you wish you could do but are not capable of doing would be devastating.
Personally I do not know if I would be strong enough to live my life with someone attached to my head. I think it would be very discouraging to have my life limited because the person I was attached to was incapable of doing the things I desire to do. Rose and Ruby do a fantastic job of compromising all of their conflicts with each other so that they can find a way to make both of their lives happy.
by Lori Lansens
Conflict is a struggle or clash between two people with opposing needs, ideas, values and beliefs. Between the two main characters in "The Girls" there is a great deal of conflict. A variety of conflicts are expected which arise when there are two girl that are permanently attached at the head.
They have conflicts of interest; Rose is more interested in sports and reading, while Ruby is more girly. There's also conflicts with their looks as Rose is jealous of Ruby's looks because Ruby is more attractive, and Rose has a slanted face.
I feel as though it would be very difficult to function if someone was attached to my head. Despite the condition that Ruby and Rose are in I feel that they over come this conflict quite well. Ruby is too small and unable to walk so Rose has to carry Ruby everywhere they go. There are also difficult challenges that they have to overcome that make them jealous of each other. Rose is capable of having children of her own, while Ruby can not have children. Both of the girls are good at separate things. Ruby is not strong in school, but she is good at art, and Rose is good at school and wants to go to university. Of the girls, Rose is the only one capable of going to university. Ruby does not want to have to go and sit through all of Rose's classes and live at university therefore Rose has to give up her opportunity to go to school which would be very upsetting. Due to a weak stomach Ruby gets very sick while travelling long distances, meaning that both girls are unable to travel. Having to give up certain things because your sister was not able to do them would be extremely upsetting. As well, watching someone who is attached to you do something that you wish you could do but are not capable of doing would be devastating.
Personally I do not know if I would be strong enough to live my life with someone attached to my head. I think it would be very discouraging to have my life limited because the person I was attached to was incapable of doing the things I desire to do. Rose and Ruby do a fantastic job of compromising all of their conflicts with each other so that they can find a way to make both of their lives happy.
Monday, March 2, 2009
Reflection
When I first received this assignment to be honest I was dreading completing it, and I knew I was not the only one around me that felt this way. To be completely honest I did not mind doing it.
This assignment leads to the discovery of a new novel and author. Even though “The Girls” was not my favourite of the books I have read I still enjoyed it. Overall I have discovered some talent towards looking at a novel in a more in depth way instead of just skimming through the story. I do not know if in the end I am a stronger writer at all because of this independent study project but if I have improved I am thankful. Having a larger audience I think helped because it gave you ideas from the minds of others to help expands the ideas you had originally written.
Ultimately, this project has given me a better in sight to Canadian novels, and I think this is one of my favourite parts about the project. In the past I have read other books by Canadian authors but opening eyes to others is a good thing. In today’s world most Canadian works are not emphasized as it is mainly American. At least that’s the way it seems to be in the music and film world. This is not the way it should be for literature. It is good to pull that Canadian literature out of the back seat to read, discuss and enjoy. I feel that it is important for Canadian students to experience Canadian literature. Taking a chance and reading something that is not main stream may lead to enjoyment and appreciation of a new work.
This story has demonstrated an amazing connection between two completely different people. I feel that the theme from this story should be transferred to sisters within today’s society.
To finish off this independent study I feel that this project has demonstrated how much there really is to Canadian literature, and that a lot of people just look right by it. The one thing I mainly learned and am learning from this project is how to look beneath the surface so that a better understanding may be developed.
This assignment leads to the discovery of a new novel and author. Even though “The Girls” was not my favourite of the books I have read I still enjoyed it. Overall I have discovered some talent towards looking at a novel in a more in depth way instead of just skimming through the story. I do not know if in the end I am a stronger writer at all because of this independent study project but if I have improved I am thankful. Having a larger audience I think helped because it gave you ideas from the minds of others to help expands the ideas you had originally written.
Ultimately, this project has given me a better in sight to Canadian novels, and I think this is one of my favourite parts about the project. In the past I have read other books by Canadian authors but opening eyes to others is a good thing. In today’s world most Canadian works are not emphasized as it is mainly American. At least that’s the way it seems to be in the music and film world. This is not the way it should be for literature. It is good to pull that Canadian literature out of the back seat to read, discuss and enjoy. I feel that it is important for Canadian students to experience Canadian literature. Taking a chance and reading something that is not main stream may lead to enjoyment and appreciation of a new work.
This story has demonstrated an amazing connection between two completely different people. I feel that the theme from this story should be transferred to sisters within today’s society.
To finish off this independent study I feel that this project has demonstrated how much there really is to Canadian literature, and that a lot of people just look right by it. The one thing I mainly learned and am learning from this project is how to look beneath the surface so that a better understanding may be developed.
Works Cited
Kristine D. Book Review: The Girls by Lori Lansens. July 30, 2006. March 23, 2009
http://blogcritics.org/archives/2006/07/30/102455.php
Lansens L. The Girls. Bootleg Film Corporation 2005.
Tancock K. Canadian Living: Interview with Lori Lansens. (N.D.) March 23, 2009.
http://www.canadianliving.com/life/community/interview_with_author_lori_lansens_2.php
http://blogcritics.org/archives/2006/07/30/102455.php
Lansens L. The Girls. Bootleg Film Corporation 2005.
Tancock K. Canadian Living: Interview with Lori Lansens. (N.D.) March 23, 2009.
http://www.canadianliving.com/life/community/interview_with_author_lori_lansens_2.php
Explication
Mistaken jealousy is emanated the jealous person, through some cause appears to become jealous of some one else. This jealousy is not intentional; it is triggered when perchance another seeks to manipulate us for other ends. I feel that mistaken jealously is one of the Thirty-Six Dramatic Situations that is emphasized by the characters in “The Girls” written by Lori Lansens.
Unintentionally, the two main characters Rose and Ruby Darlen have developed a form of mistaken jealousy between each other. This could be due to the fact that they are craniopagus twins, meaning they are joined at the head. These two girls are connected in every way except for their interests and thoughts.
There are a variety of reasons as to why Rose can be jealous of Ruby. Rose considers herself to be the unattractive one of the two. She describes herself as “miss happen, and frankly grotesque” (Lansens, 38). This is directed to her face since her right eye slants towards her right ear. The girls are attached at Rose’s right ear causing some deformations of the right side of Rose’s face. Rose is able to do a lot of things that Ruby cannot. Being the larger of the two girls Rose is the only one that is able to walk. As a result Rose has to carry Ruby everywhere they go. Due to this Rose could ask herself why do I have to be the one that has to carry Ruby everywhere? This could cause some hidden jealousy. In addition, Rose is the only was that is able to become pregnant. The girls get into the situation where they are taken advantage of. Frankie kisses Ruby because he thinks she is more attractive, but has intercourse with Rose because Ruby is unable to, and Rose becomes pregnant. In this situation, Rose may be jealous of Ruby because Frankie would not have had anything to do with Rose if Ruby was able to have intercourse. He did not want to kiss her he just used her. As she is attached to Ruby, Rose looses some opportunities she could experience. With school Rose is very smart, while Ruby is not; therefore Rose gets the opportunity to go to university. Ruby does not want to go live at university or go at all so Rose decides not to go. Unfortunately, Rose would be jealous of all the other students that get to go to school while she cannot because of her sister. This is an example of mistaken jealousy that is aroused by a fatal chance.
Ruby is named as so “because she shone like a gem” (38), and has many reasons as to why she may experience mistaken jealousy towards her sister Rose. Most of the jealousies that Ruby experiences are envy of the things that Rose can do and she cannot. Rose is able to have children, go to university, and travel. Ruby cannot go to university because she is not intelligent enough, and she is not capable of traveling because she gets very sick. Her being unable to do these things limits what Rose can do. Overall, because of these things “Ruby feels [like an] outcast, and alienated” (61).
Together Rose and Ruby would have a form of mistaken jealousy for those around them. Due to their condition there are many things they cannot do. Between the two of them they did “not have many friends while… growing up. Children [would speak to them] at school and on the bus, but no one ever came to [their] home” (53) to play with them. They are incapable of playing sports, starting a family of their own, perusing a career they may want to do, and much more. These girls live in a community where they watch all around them do things they will never be able to do.
The main theme of this novel would be co-operation and commitment. Together this theme is expressed in the way that they over come the mistaken jealousy they experience between each other. Jealousy that is experienced is between the girl is envy towards one another. Rose and Ruby envy the other for the things they cannot do but the other can instead of celebrating themselves. In the end there girls have a connection like no one else. They are able to sense each others thoughts and finish each others sentences. Seeing a connection like that in a world we live in today is mesmerizing.
Unintentionally, the two main characters Rose and Ruby Darlen have developed a form of mistaken jealousy between each other. This could be due to the fact that they are craniopagus twins, meaning they are joined at the head. These two girls are connected in every way except for their interests and thoughts.
There are a variety of reasons as to why Rose can be jealous of Ruby. Rose considers herself to be the unattractive one of the two. She describes herself as “miss happen, and frankly grotesque” (Lansens, 38). This is directed to her face since her right eye slants towards her right ear. The girls are attached at Rose’s right ear causing some deformations of the right side of Rose’s face. Rose is able to do a lot of things that Ruby cannot. Being the larger of the two girls Rose is the only one that is able to walk. As a result Rose has to carry Ruby everywhere they go. Due to this Rose could ask herself why do I have to be the one that has to carry Ruby everywhere? This could cause some hidden jealousy. In addition, Rose is the only was that is able to become pregnant. The girls get into the situation where they are taken advantage of. Frankie kisses Ruby because he thinks she is more attractive, but has intercourse with Rose because Ruby is unable to, and Rose becomes pregnant. In this situation, Rose may be jealous of Ruby because Frankie would not have had anything to do with Rose if Ruby was able to have intercourse. He did not want to kiss her he just used her. As she is attached to Ruby, Rose looses some opportunities she could experience. With school Rose is very smart, while Ruby is not; therefore Rose gets the opportunity to go to university. Ruby does not want to go live at university or go at all so Rose decides not to go. Unfortunately, Rose would be jealous of all the other students that get to go to school while she cannot because of her sister. This is an example of mistaken jealousy that is aroused by a fatal chance.
Ruby is named as so “because she shone like a gem” (38), and has many reasons as to why she may experience mistaken jealousy towards her sister Rose. Most of the jealousies that Ruby experiences are envy of the things that Rose can do and she cannot. Rose is able to have children, go to university, and travel. Ruby cannot go to university because she is not intelligent enough, and she is not capable of traveling because she gets very sick. Her being unable to do these things limits what Rose can do. Overall, because of these things “Ruby feels [like an] outcast, and alienated” (61).
Together Rose and Ruby would have a form of mistaken jealousy for those around them. Due to their condition there are many things they cannot do. Between the two of them they did “not have many friends while… growing up. Children [would speak to them] at school and on the bus, but no one ever came to [their] home” (53) to play with them. They are incapable of playing sports, starting a family of their own, perusing a career they may want to do, and much more. These girls live in a community where they watch all around them do things they will never be able to do.
The main theme of this novel would be co-operation and commitment. Together this theme is expressed in the way that they over come the mistaken jealousy they experience between each other. Jealousy that is experienced is between the girl is envy towards one another. Rose and Ruby envy the other for the things they cannot do but the other can instead of celebrating themselves. In the end there girls have a connection like no one else. They are able to sense each others thoughts and finish each others sentences. Seeing a connection like that in a world we live in today is mesmerizing.
Apologia
“The Girls” written by Lori Lansens is an exciting Canadian novel that more Canadians should be experiencing. These two girls may be a lot like sisters you know. they squabble over unnecessary things, but still always there for each other. What is different about these sisters is that these girls will always be there for each other, but maybe not by choice. Rose and Ruby are the oldest craniopagus twins. They were born into the world by a teenage mother who abandoned them at birth, and then taken into the loving arms of Aunt Lovey and Uncle Stash. While they have separate brains, separate thoughts, separate personalities, “Rose and Ruby could never be separated because they share a vital vein” (Kristine) that is located between their heads. Ruby has a decided that their lives need to be recorded in an autobiography that is written by the girls themselves.
Lori Lansens new voice is a fantastic asset to the collection of Canadian novels. This is Lansens second novel she has written. The novel is set in south western Ontario because, Lansens herself “was born and raised in Canada – so the geography and character of the country are on [her] spiritual hard drive and thus filtered through [her] work” (Tancock). Having the girls live in the country was a very effective setting because if they lived in a big city the story would deal with the astonishment of their appearance and Lansens would not be able to dig deeper into their lives in the country the town folk have grown accustom to their looks.
At times this story is very humorous, but also very moving. Lansens does an extraordinary job of illustrating the lives of the girls and all the difficulties they face but still keeping that unique bond that these sisters share between each other. I feel that this is one of the reasons why it should be a popularly read Canadian novel. For those of us who have sisters,we know how difficult at times it is to co-operate with a sister of any age. However, to be attached to that sister at the head is unimaginable. Sisters should read this story and learn to admire the way that Rose and Ruby are so different but are able to overcome their differences and work as one. These girls have never looked into each others eyes except for in a mirror, but still their intimacy is complete. The author Lansens demonstrates beautifully how two girls that look so different from everyone else are still accepted and capable of so much the same as everyone else. Rose and Ruby are proud of who they are and they “would not live a thousand lives but a million to infinity, to live the life [they have lived as themselves]… how lucky they have been to be “The Girls”” (Lansens 457).
During the story there are dull and repetitive moments. How much can possibly be written about two girls attached at the head that work at a small town library? When the dullness starts to set in Lansens finds a way to brighten the story making you want to read on and on. I feel that the novels weaknesses are also another reason why it should be read often as an example of Canadian literature.
I feel that Lansens new voice that is now loudly heard through her second novel “The Girls” will only continue to get stronger as this novel and other novels expands. As well, this novel should definitely be added to the list of Canadian novels that you must read and add to your collection. More attention should be paid to this author and she should be applauded for her work.
Lori Lansens new voice is a fantastic asset to the collection of Canadian novels. This is Lansens second novel she has written. The novel is set in south western Ontario because, Lansens herself “was born and raised in Canada – so the geography and character of the country are on [her] spiritual hard drive and thus filtered through [her] work” (Tancock). Having the girls live in the country was a very effective setting because if they lived in a big city the story would deal with the astonishment of their appearance and Lansens would not be able to dig deeper into their lives in the country the town folk have grown accustom to their looks.
At times this story is very humorous, but also very moving. Lansens does an extraordinary job of illustrating the lives of the girls and all the difficulties they face but still keeping that unique bond that these sisters share between each other. I feel that this is one of the reasons why it should be a popularly read Canadian novel. For those of us who have sisters,we know how difficult at times it is to co-operate with a sister of any age. However, to be attached to that sister at the head is unimaginable. Sisters should read this story and learn to admire the way that Rose and Ruby are so different but are able to overcome their differences and work as one. These girls have never looked into each others eyes except for in a mirror, but still their intimacy is complete. The author Lansens demonstrates beautifully how two girls that look so different from everyone else are still accepted and capable of so much the same as everyone else. Rose and Ruby are proud of who they are and they “would not live a thousand lives but a million to infinity, to live the life [they have lived as themselves]… how lucky they have been to be “The Girls”” (Lansens 457).
During the story there are dull and repetitive moments. How much can possibly be written about two girls attached at the head that work at a small town library? When the dullness starts to set in Lansens finds a way to brighten the story making you want to read on and on. I feel that the novels weaknesses are also another reason why it should be read often as an example of Canadian literature.
I feel that Lansens new voice that is now loudly heard through her second novel “The Girls” will only continue to get stronger as this novel and other novels expands. As well, this novel should definitely be added to the list of Canadian novels that you must read and add to your collection. More attention should be paid to this author and she should be applauded for her work.
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