March 14, 2012
Charlie relates to the song, "Asleep" by the Smiths because of Michael's death. "Sing me to sleep" is exactly how Michael was feeling; he wanted to die, and he did just that. He committed suicide. He kept his thoughts to himself. He didn't want "[anyone] to feel bad for [him]", so he shared nothing with peers. After learning of Michael's death, the counselors worked with the students, trying to help them cope with this tragedy. One of the counselors said that Michael, "'had problems at home'", so he wanted to die. Heaven would be a happier place for him. The Smiths sing, "Sing me to sleep/ and then leave me alone/ Don't try to wake me in the morning/ 'Cause I'll be gone." Michael's isolation from others is exemplified in this song because, like the song, Michael wanted to die. He wanted to die. Heaven was what he wanted, not help or a friend.
Charlie has feelings similar to regret in that he didn't help Michael, yet he also seems offended that Michael didn't share these feelings with him. This song, in my opinion, is a way for Charlie to cope. It helps justify Michael's suicide, and why he didn't divulge his depressed feelings with Michael.
Wednesday, March 14, 2012
My Perceptions of Charlie's Mother
March 14, 2012
I believe that Charlie's mother yearns for him to be in the most prestigious english class available because she perceives intelligence as taking the hardest courses. She wants Charlie to challenge himself so he will be applicable for an academic scholarship when the time comes to start applying to college. Taking more advanced english courses will not be beneficial to Charlie, as he states; in the mother's mind, succeeding at his level, Charlie must put himself forth to a more challenging course so he can prosper. Yet, Charlie sees his successes in his current english class to be "praise-worthy", which his mother does not give him. Although his mother might feel proud for her son's triumphs, she does not show it to Charlie. Her reactions to Charlie's statement, expressing that he has, "great skill at reading and understanding language" shows how she is not interested in the knowledge gained; all she cares about is the prestigiousness of his courses in which he takes.
I believe that Charlie's mother yearns for him to be in the most prestigious english class available because she perceives intelligence as taking the hardest courses. She wants Charlie to challenge himself so he will be applicable for an academic scholarship when the time comes to start applying to college. Taking more advanced english courses will not be beneficial to Charlie, as he states; in the mother's mind, succeeding at his level, Charlie must put himself forth to a more challenging course so he can prosper. Yet, Charlie sees his successes in his current english class to be "praise-worthy", which his mother does not give him. Although his mother might feel proud for her son's triumphs, she does not show it to Charlie. Her reactions to Charlie's statement, expressing that he has, "great skill at reading and understanding language" shows how she is not interested in the knowledge gained; all she cares about is the prestigiousness of his courses in which he takes.
My perceptions of Charlie's mom are influenced by my own opinions about the relationships between parents and children. In my opinion, praise for a child is necessary for children to continue to move forward and prosper in their academics. When Charlie's mother yielded no compliments, his mood and his drive changed. When I get a good grade on a test or complete a difficult task, I boast to my parents, expecting a compliment so I can reinforce their gratitude for my hard work. If they didn't commend me for my accomplishments, for me, it would be difficult to maintain a drive to succeed. Although my parent's support is needed for me to maintain a drive, their expectations for me to strive to do my best also cause me to work hard. Like Charlie's mother, I think parents should push for their kids to take challenging courses; yet, unlike his mother, they should not be solely focused on the appearance of a difficult course on a transcript but the personal drive of the child to gain knowledge. A parent should present praise no matter what courses their child takes; although their successes might not exceed their expectations, those achievements might be the best accomplishments possible for the child.
Mae Mae
Tuesday, March 13, 2012
Letter 1
August 27, 1991
Dear Charlie,
I am happy to be your listener, and I hope that you will be able to work out your difficulties by talking to me. Talking to someone about your problems is the best way to decipher the roots of problems. It seems that you have figured out that your family is a big part in you participating in a happy yet sad life. The loss of Michael and the problems with Aunt Helen spurred the recognition of sadness in your life; I want you to know that everyone has sadness in their life.
No one is happy all the time, but some people express those feelings, unlike you, and this helps them thrive in their life. Writing to me is the best step in finding yourself because you are releasing the emotions inside; keeping them bottled up solves nothing and essentially augments them. I hope that you will write me back, and that I can serve as a good listener and helper in your life. It seems that you and your Dad have a different relationship, and I think you need to question why that is and what started that. For now, I want you to think about the happiness in your life, and the people in your life that spark that happiness and surround yourself with them! Write me back. I'm always here to listen!
Love always,
Mae Mae
Dear Charlie,
I am happy to be your listener, and I hope that you will be able to work out your difficulties by talking to me. Talking to someone about your problems is the best way to decipher the roots of problems. It seems that you have figured out that your family is a big part in you participating in a happy yet sad life. The loss of Michael and the problems with Aunt Helen spurred the recognition of sadness in your life; I want you to know that everyone has sadness in their life.
No one is happy all the time, but some people express those feelings, unlike you, and this helps them thrive in their life. Writing to me is the best step in finding yourself because you are releasing the emotions inside; keeping them bottled up solves nothing and essentially augments them. I hope that you will write me back, and that I can serve as a good listener and helper in your life. It seems that you and your Dad have a different relationship, and I think you need to question why that is and what started that. For now, I want you to think about the happiness in your life, and the people in your life that spark that happiness and surround yourself with them! Write me back. I'm always here to listen!
Love always,
Mae Mae
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