Final Post: The Soloist

Finally, I have reached the end of this wonderful novel. Being that this is one of the top most inspirational books I have ever read, I feel almost compelled to write to Mr. Lopez himself for updates on how Nathaniel is doing. Of all the evils that are inflicted upon so many good people daily, there is nothing more joyous then to establish some sort of faith in this world: the life of music. In addition, stories like this bring hope to those who don't have any. Although Nathaniel Ayers was living in a hell on earth, life was still able to turn around for him again. Of course he will never fully recover, but he now lives in an apartment, has his own music studio, and has many opportunities to hear and meet some of his favorite artists. 

How many people in life can get a second chance? Isn't it nice to be able to look at stories like this and think of how much power it has? It can make people realize that no matter what happens to you in life, if you're a good person with a good heart, then there has to be something out there for you made to save you. That's what Steve Lopez was for Nathaniel, a savior. There has never been a musician like Nathaniel, a story such as this, and it has touched so many hearts. Nathaniel truly is the soloist. Now there are new beginnings for Nathaniel, a much deserved second chance for him to be able to catch up some on things he has missed out on. I believe that no matter what types of conflicts come upon them both, that their friendship will prevail all evils. 

Patience and Friendship

As Steve Lopez proceeds his mission to cure Nathaniel, his commitment to Nathaniel slowly grows into an honest love for his new friend. Following the new and odd friendship, are changes in Nathaniel's chemistry. These changes result in consistently happier days for Nathaniel as his overall attire improves, he gets invited back to go see the Philharmonic Orchestra, and he maintains a permanent residence at Lamp. Nathaniel even has the opportunity to have his own music studio to visit. 

However, with every great day follows a grim day. Days where Nathaniel is found at war with himself howling, or at war with the other residents at Lamp. Days where his hyper-race-conscious defenses are followed by obsessive compulsion. 

I feel that Steve needs to learn to be more patience with Nathaniel because as scary as the schizophrenic -paranoid side of Nathaniel is, it is still there inside of him. 

This being said doesn't cancel out all of the good Steve is doing. He isn't in it for the publicity and fame. It is a sincere obligation to help out a friend, something Steve hasn't really had in a long time being his profession only did allow so much intimacy in the past. Steve finds the truest form of a friend in Nathaniel: a friend who challenges and inspires you; someone who sends you out on a journey to find the truest form of yourself. I believe that Steve needed someone like Nathaniel because he had spent so many years writing the stories of others, that he forgot his own story.

Part Two of The Soloist

As Steve Lopez continues his journey to help Nathaniel Ayers, he takes an up-close and personal look at what Nathaniel is up against: his own so-called home, Skid Row. Skid Row can be described as a bombardment of drugs and mental illness. A complete catastrophe of heroin addicts and mercenary muggers, the whole image of a man productively playing a violin in the middle of all of the police/ambulance sirens would surprise and yet frighten you.

While reading, you can't help but wonder why Lopez would go through so much trouble in order to help out Nathaniel. This whole story on the progression of a street instrumentalist is no longer a job to Lopez, but a commitment. As committed as some people might be to their jobs, I doubt many people would stay the night within the mayhem of Skid Row just to help out someone who refuses to seek much dependency on medications, and with a flip of a switch could flip off of the wall. Maybe we'll come to find that as much as Nathaniel needs Lopez, Lopez needs Nathaniel a little more.

I support what Steve is doing in every way possible. However, after careful comparison and observation, I am worried about the outcome of the situation. I compared the curiosities of protagonist Lopez with protagonist Nick, from The Great Gatsby. Both Nick and Lopez took interest in someone they didn't know much about, and sought to find out more about these mysterious characters (Nathaniel and Gatsby). However, the outcome of Nick's obligations towards Gatsby resulted in is neighbor's demise. Will the efforts of Lopez result in Nathaniel's decline? If not a total decline, how will Nathaniel redeem himself?

The Soloist by Steve Lopez

After reading the first six chapters of The Soloist, I've become very enthusiastic about finishing it because the musical allusions and psychological elements appeal to me. I've come across many subtle details that amuse me and can't wait to continue alongside Steve Lopez in his journey to help cure Nathaniel Ayers' mental state of being.

In the beginning, we find Lopez as a hardworking columnist who recently discovered the grubby and mysterious musician, Nathaniel Ayers. Although this man was playing a rusty, old violin with only two strings, he immediately recognized that there was some form of musical professionalism in his stature. The alluring aura of the busking Ayers convinces Lopez that he may just have something on this man. After a short time, Lopez discovers not only Ayer's passion for the arts, but that this man had once attended Julliard until a mental breakdown.

The reason why I find so much appeal to this novel is because I can relate to state of mind that Ayer's is in when he picks up his instrument; you're a million miles away from everything and everyone, time ceases to exist, and all you can hear are the vibrations of your instrument. Following this trance, all you want to do is perfect the piece you're playing because each time you repeat it, it sounds all the more beautiful.  This is the kind of emotional protocol that takes place between every musician in the world. The desire for that feeling and the connection to the aspiring people around you and before you (who may of even composed the music you're playing) is what keeps people like Ayer's and myself practicing. Music is the spiritual connection between the people of this world.

In particular, there are two parts that I found entertaining. For example, when Lopez found the names, such as Babe Ruth, scribbled on the pavement near Ayers. After Lopez asks whose names they were, Ayer's merely commented that those were just some of his classmates at Juilliard. The idea that he was friends with worldwide famous characters is both compelling and hard to wrap my mind around. Or, the part where Ayer's comments that although he doesn't know where everyone he once knew ended up, he hears "a kid named yo-yo ma" is doing pretty well for himself. I have no words. 

In summary, this book, for someone like me that is, ought to be pretty interesting. It seems like a pretty heart warming book and I can't wait to see how Lopez treats Ayers, and not his disease. I would also like to see how Lopez winds up after his much-needed and profound change as well.

*As far as commenting goes, any mechanical corrections are welcome. As far as agreement or disagreement, I welcome either. I want to see what everyone thinks about this blog.

The Catcher In The Rye

Throughout nearly everyones’ life, particularly during adolescence, there comes a time when one longs to discover their identity and purpose. This search for meaning and identity is a universal issue that crosses the boarders of class and social status, culture, race, and gender. Whether we are aware of it or not, everyone is connected by this will to understand their relevance in life. In a popular, classic novel, The Catcher In The Rye, by J.D. Salinger, this urge to discover identity is portrayed through the struggles of fictional character, Holden Caulfield. Salinger writes about Holden’s life following his expulsion from a prestigious prepatory school, Pencey Academy.
After a brief, yet captivating introduction, the plot unfolds during one frigid Saturday before Holden is forced to leave this upscale boarding school that has become his home. After a visit with a disappointed history teacher, Mr. Spencer, Holden becomes embarrassed and ashamed of his less than savory behavior. He becomes overwhelmed with the feeling of self-loathing. The disappointment his teacher and mentor, Mr. Spencer expresses causes shines a light on Holden’s shortcomings and failures that he brought upon himself.
Later that night, Holden is overcome by a strong desire to leave the academy. This desire is essentially triggered by his unhygienic neighbor and hot-shot roommate, Stradlater. Holden refuses to stay his last couple nights in the same dormitory as Stradlater. As a result, Holden decides to leave the academy early and stay at the Edmont Hotel in New York City, in an effort to avoid facing his family and revealing his failures as a student. Within the next two days, he becomes involved in wreckless and thoughtless behavior. He meets with less than savory people from his past. The journey that follows and the compromising situations he places himself in, soon leads him home to reunite with his younger sister, Phoebe.
During this journey of self discovery, I found Holden’s psychological state fascinating. yet incredibly depressing. Salinger’s portrayal of the teenage psyche creates a timeless versatility
that many teenagers today can relate to. This book has an element of emotional ups and downs. Holden encounters phases of depression, nervous breakdowns, irrational and erotic behavior, in addition to compulsive and out of control spending.
Salinger’s novel enables modern day teenagers to relate their personal issues to those of Holden. For example, Holden believes he is an extremely perceptive individual, which in reality he is anything but perceptive. He fails to realize his judgmental traits and lapse in perception by constantly finding flaws in others, but never recognizing his own shortcomings. Holden’s juvenile and naive behavior is characteristic of many young people today. Often it is easier for one to place judgment on others and neglect identifying and correcting their own flaws.
Clearly, Salinger has a strong understanding of the universal issue that often face many teenagers. He thoughtfully demonstrates these issues through the demise of Holden’s life. The novel is a timeless classic that has the ability to teach young people life’s values. Salinger’s message is sent to the reader through many interesting metaphors. While, his main points may be difficult to identify, they are important and of great value to those who are struggle with issues of identity, self-worth, and meaning in life.

Blog About Death of a Salesman

Throughout Arthur Miller’s novel, Death of a Salesman, are many profound subtexts. For this week’s blog entry, I am going to take an analytical approach on a few of these subtexts that I came across during the plot's progression. I am also going to take some partial focus on Willy’s psychological function that seemed to have some correlation with these subtexts.
When first reading the play, the author starts to describe the setting of the Lomans’ house. When this house was first bought, we can infer the surrounding area was all open space, containing potential to be anything, such as Willy’s dreams when he was younger. Notice how the author describes the house to be presently hemmed in by apartment buildings on all sides, where sunlight probably doesn’t touch often. Now that the house is besieged by apartment buildings, coincidentally, so are Willy’s dreams. Although there are a few silver linings and rays of sunlight, with the passing of time, the play’s gloomy outcome proves it to be a little too late for Willy to start over and so to speak, break through those apartment buildings. Even  the movie depicts the house itself to look as though it aged too drastically to make any room for improvement. Also notice, how later on, when we find Willy talking to his wife Linda about how they should to the country, towards more open space. In other words, he subconsciously wanted to move on to find more potential.
While on the subject of Willy’s dreams, I’ve found that he is probably a better dreamer then a salesman. He doesn’t exactly dream of selling big, either. At least not directly. Willy thinks that being “well-liked” has some positive correlation to success because he demonstrates a constant trend to shoot after a good reputation then actual success in his business through fidelity. But, do you ever find out what Willy exactly sells, or even the name of The Woman? No, because Willy finds these details irrelevant. Willy uses the woman as a tool to feel “well-liked” because she regards herself as a means for Willy to get buyers more efficiently.
In addition, because of his presently somber situation, his “episodes” function as an escape from his current distress. However, his flashbacks don’t truly illustrate the past because he seems to edit his past and look for his mistakes regarding his relationship with Biff and trying to figure out how exactly Biff ruined his future. As for Biff, his father never gives him the discipline that every parent should give their child. While he continues to contradict himself about Biff’s laziness (meanwhile he asks Linda why he is “always being contradicted”), he showers Biff with praise about his natural talent for football. I would guess that the reason psychologically for that is, that Willy probably just didn’t want to hurt Biff’s ego because of how insecure he is himself, and just wanted his son to like him. Willy also seemed to thrive and function off of Biff’s high school success and popularity through affiliation.
Currently, we find Willy now trying to reiterate his dreams through his son, contradicting Biff’s real ambitions and natural inclinations. Biff wants to be nothing like his father, and would be happier outside of the city working in a ranch out in the west. Even so, you find that Willy’s wistful fantasy of living in Alaska shows he chose the wrong profession anyway. He also compared the professional and private aspects of his life with those people of false prosperity. Ben’s success was merely a blind stroke of luck while he completely missed the fact that Singleman was still working until the age of 84 and died on the job. His funeral was also accompanied by the people who just happened to be there while he died.
In summary, Willy just falls to notice anything. He is too old to start over. He can’t possibly become an overnight success, and neither can his son. Meanwhile, his other son’s success, Happy, is barely taken note of. Instead of looking at his family’s reputation, he should of looked at the bigger picture, that being, what the future held for the family. Instead of worrying about everyone else, he should of diverted that amount of attention towards his family. Willy failed to see the love Linda and his son’s held for him. He failed to be able to draw he line between himself as a salesman and himself as a husband/father.

Blogging About Blogger

For the past several weeks, my 11th grade class has been using blogspot.com to express our thoughts about the stories or poems we have been reading. I enjoy being able to express my ideas on this website and having access to my fellow classmates’ websites to read about their ideas too.
In addition, blogging really helped me with my writing. It's become a lot easier for me in terms of clarification and expressing my thoughts and opinions quicker. Not to mention this method of expressing our individual thoughts is probably convenient for most of us in the class because we all go on the computer daily, anyway.
However, I didn't enjoy blogging at first. I was actually really intimidated. Having all of your writing out on display for people to see really puts you under a little pressure if you're someone like me, who, use to never really speak in class. I am also not use to having anyone but the teacher read my work. But, in spite of all the intimidation, this started to bring out the best in my writing because I would write knowing others were going to read my entries. And by observing other people’s perspectives, it makes it easier for me to form opinions based off of their point of view, especially if I am having trouble expressing what I want to say or if I don’t know what Mr. Fiorini wants out of this assignment.
By reading my classmates’ blogs, I have also discovered that they are all really good writers as well. They form interesting opinions and mention details about stories that I often overlook.
Thinking back on last year, I have to say I like this English class a lot better. Unlike last year, this class has taught me how to take analytical approaches on simple pieces of writing.
Last year, it was always only about the technical elements of writing, such as identifying personification and learning how to use proper grammar in your writing. But to me, that all means nothing if you don’t understand what you are reading about.
In summary, even though making a website in order to be graded on blogging and having to blog every weekend didn’t really appeal to me at first, I have found that it had positive effects on my writing in the long run.