In class we have been discussing Peter Pan and other books. Every book that we have read has had some impact in our childhood. Last Tuesday we went behind the book and looked at the author. When I heard the story about the real J.M. Barrie I was disturbed. Any person who loved children that much must have been weird. No one knows what he did with those children or with any children, but it is eerie hearing how much he loved the kids. How could someone so weird write a story that impacted our childhood? Then I thought for a second and realized all great authors are somewhat twisted.

I went in thinking Barrie was the same charming man that was depicted in Finding Neverland, only to be let down. Barrie is by far the weirdest but all great authors have some quirk. Pullman was raised by religious parents, Rowling worked in a coffee shop before striking it rich, and we all have heard weird stories bout the person who wrote Alice in Wonderland. Everyone of them needed their history for them to write down their feelings. If Pullman didn't have his history he would have never wrote the Golden Compass. In the beginning it hurt me that Barrie was a strange man but now I realize it doesn't matter what they did. What matters is what they wrote. Some of the best things have been created by crazy people. Through chaos comes clarity. Artists are twisted but they are amazing. Van Gough cut his ear off and was depressed for most of his life. Most people forget about that. I would like to forget about what Barrie did and just concentrate on his work. He wrote Peter Pan, it's about a child who doesn't want to grow up. Written by a man who probably didn't want to either.

I don't know that much about wizardry books so I'm connecting this book with the greatness that is Star Wars. I believe that movie series and this book have much in common. I guess wizardry and space adventure aren't that far apart.

I believe the tow series follow the same rules when it comes to the stories heroes. In A Wizard of Earthsea, the hero is a wizard named Ged. Ged was anointed to be the greatest wizard of all time since he was a kid. Everyone saw it in this man; he was even sent to go train with an Arch Mage to perfect his powers. He loses patients and goes to a school where he can learn quicker. In this school he becomes powerful and is almost overcome by evil. He doesn't become pure evil but he does create a spirit that is trying to take him to the dark side. Through a long journey he becomes the man he is supposed to be and saves the day.

Now compare this to Darth Vader. Mr. Vader lost his mom at an early age, was told he was going to be the one to save the universe, was sent to trian with a Jedi named Obi-Wan (maybe you heard of him.) Then he becomes power hungry and leaves his training. When Vader does this he joins the dark side. This is the small difference in the two stories. However it is similar because this is where Vader ulitmately becomes the person that he is supposed to be. Through his journey Vader does bring peace to the universe and becomes one of the greats just like our friend Ged.

The similarities are eerie. I wouldn't consider either to be a true hero, but they are characters that people relate too and cheer on. This seems to be a winning formula for characters as both are legendary.

The clip I chose to pick is where Darth loses his patience and becomes evil. I see the similarities in him and Ged.

Darth Vader Scene

Intro

People tend to call me Marcus because that is the name my parents decided to give me. I am from Dallas, Texas and I am in love with the city. It kind of hurts me that I decided to spend four years in Fort Worth. I love music and sports, but who doesn't. One day hope to make a living in the entertainment industry.

My favorite children's books are anything by Dr. Seuss, however I don't know if y'all consider this to be extremely childish. My favorite book of his is Green Eggs and Ham. I love it because it reminds me of my childhood and the time when I cooked this dish. The story is not complicated but I believe it takes an extreme amount of talent to create this sort of work. I believe many have tried to duplicate his style but all have fallen to the mighty Doctor.

If that isn't good enough I also loved Number the Stars, which is on our reading list. I find that whole era to be interesting. I read it when I was young and it seemed to always stick with me.

I don't know how to end a blog so until I come up with a catch phrase I'm just going to say peace. Peace!