INTO THE WILD

Into the Wild was one of the most descriptive texts I have read in a long while. I did not expect to feel the level of emotion I did towards the end. Plot twist "Alex" dies and figures out happiness means nothing without people to share it with and reverts back to his own name. The saddest part of his story is hints of abuse within the household he came from and how he is coping with it. Multiple events throughout the book highlight familial disputes that triggered the escape to the "wilderness" and eventually Alaska.

As Alex,  there was always a need to get away from civilization and the society he has been a part of. Alex leaves behind his previous identity dealing with an abusive home, excess money, and a corporate future lifestyle. Alex only works for the minimal money he needs to buy supplies and "make it" in Alaska. The friends and family he makes along the way- he never gets attached to. It seems as if he connects with other people he will be sucked into society again.

Overall, Into the Wild provides a story for adolescents or anyone to relate to. Using it within the classroom would be beneficial for students who are struggling with greater problems such as: conflicts at home, not fitting in, not wanting to be like everyone else, an urge to escape. Bringing said themes to the classroom can provide a safe discussion. Also it is a very hooking read and with suck students in.

EDGAR ALLEN POE

I dove into reading about Edgar Allen Poe this week and a couple pieces of his work. Ever since high school I have been given works of Poe without knowing exactly who he is and how his life influenced his work. The first aspect of great focus is Poe's military career. Poe lied when he was 18  saying he was 22 in order to serve and support himself. Poe released his first book of poetry that year as well! Tamberlane and Other Poems focused on the loss of a first love with themes including: Love, death, and pride.

I looked up some crazy and haunting facts about Poe. FIRST Poe died on his way to an editing job and a week before he left his dog advised him not to travel. Poe's enemy wrote his obituary: Rufus Griswold. Some of Poe's works were published after he passed. Edgar Allen Poe was the first writer to use the term "short story" and put the term to great use.

One of the most popular stories I remember from my secondary education is "The Raven". The narrative is set on a dreary night and follows an unknown person. The person has lost their love and follows a raven to ask the raven fortune telling questions. The speaker begins to get more frustrated with the raven because he is not getting the answers he desires. The speaker is trapped with the raven and can't seem to get past the experiences.

Overall, Edgar Allen Poe is the most influential writer and gives great imagery throughout his writings. There are a lot of unknown aspects from Poe's life and everytime I read more about him, I get more blown away.