Growing up from one stage to the other is often filled with obstacles. Like wise, in The Poisonwood Bible, each of the daughters had their own coming-of-age experiences. OBVIOUSLY, I relate to Ruth May the most.

Although many would say that Ruth May had yet to experience her own coming-of-age experiences, I beg to differ. In fact, not changing IS her coming-of-age. Because of that tragic ending, Ruth May will forever hold onto her believes. The reason why I said I can relate to Ruth May the most is because… I have yet to experience this drastic change. Like Ruth May, I have remained loyal to my own believes. It is this pure heart that makes us similar. 🙂

Instead of sharing a similar struggle with the daughters, I actually pity most of them. It is truly sad that Rachel, Leah, and Adah had to finally realize that this world that they are living in is absolutely disgusting. I pity them that their IDEAL figure of how parents should be were shattered in front of their very own eyes. On the other hand, I’m actually relieved to see that Ruth May actually still had some faith in her parents as she casts her vote for Jesus so earnestly.

Last but not least, I think this senior year in ICS will be the preamble for my coming-of-age journey as all of us would soon become an “adult” in this world… That is, if we all manage to finish capstones like we’re suppose to…

There once was a prestigious Chinese scholar who said the following, “Expectations never align with reality.” It is truly scary how each and everyone of else put so much faith in our own future-perceiving skills. Welcome, dear students, to Professor Bubu’s special life lesson: Be realistic.

 

Assuming all of you are still alive and well, we really do live in a multi-cultural society. I know, dear students. The world is a terrifying place. Each day we have to survive from multiple “unique behaviors” from different culture — I praise you all for surviving thus far. Yet, it is an essential life skill to be able to communicate with these aliens.

Believe it or not, I have failed miserably in the past. Back in the days, when school was peaceful and full of wonders, freedom is EVERYWHERE. Phones were authorized; communication wasn’t necessary; and earphones protected our valuable hearings. My inaccurate expectations of this heartwarming scene felled apart as the school issued a COMMUNICATION ONLY setting. Because I took all these things for granite — thanks Rachel –, it negatively impacted my experiences in school.

In addition to this, my pride has also affect my ability to be humble in a foreign setting. Since the school has changed dramatically after the no phone policy, I now consider this place the outer space. Because of my pride, I brought my electronic devices and earphones to this far-far away planet. Yet, as soon as I submitted to my pride and took out my essentials, I was struck down by countless anti-electronic leaders. Through this experience, I have learned that being realistic is the only way. If I had been realistic in the examples, I would have saved myself tons of trouble. Indeed, being realistic will make your life on an inhabitable planet better.

May we survive this inhospitable environment and see each other again in our next class.

 

It is common sense that a question unanswered is one of the key factors for immense stress and pain. Experts, scientists, and philosophers are always pondering upon this mysterious and confusing question: What exactly is Richard Parker? Over the course of the novel, this ferocious Bengal tiger has always been the ‘pain’ for our lovely protagonist, Piscine Patel. Yet, it’s almost as if Richard Parker is essential to Pi’s survival?

Fear not, my fellow students! Today is the day where I, professor Bubu, will explore one of the possibilities of many. In my genuine opinion, I believe that Richard Parker represents both God and demon. I know it is ironic, but hear me out.

Richard Parker can be symbolizing God by many reasons. Whatever the religion, as long as there’s a deity, this god figure can be assumed to be great in power. All the great things a man can have, a god figure should have. One of these great characteristics would be giving immense hope for the followers. Now, what did Pi say in the novel? It’s the plain truth: without Richard Parker, I wouldn’t be alive today to tell you my story (219).

On the other hand, as mentioned in the above paragraph, the devil side of Richard Parker. I believe that this is an extremely understandable argument. The constant pressure that Richard Parker gave out during the trial was exhausting for Pi. It has become a constant sore point our main character here. Whenever he decides to do any action, it’s almost as if his first thought is, “I need to be careful of Richard Parker, or he’s going to EAT ME!” I would say that this is pretty similar to what a devil would do, applying constant threat and pressure, and most importantly, take over as soon as there’s the opportunity.

Now that the lecture has ended, I must emphasize on the point that my opinion may not necessarily be true. This, after all, is just one of the many possibilities of what Richard Parker could symbolize. However, I do hope that through this small sharing, your burdens have been lifted, and your souls have been set free.         🙂