I would like to start off this blog, blog #2 (out of 3), for my AP English class, by saying i had missed so many 'hints' from earlier in the novel. I am not sure to what i was looking for but now reading further into this fascinating novel i have come across some symbolism and so much more self-actualization related topics.
First off I missed the whole idea of symbolism with Codi going off to find herself. A she is going back to her dad she is going back to her roots not only to help him but as a way of finding herself. I feel that this is a subconscious realization or desire but she is still being observant of her surroundings. At the beginning she was settling for the very least and now that she is back to her roots and hometown she is slowly realizing or "rediscovering" who she is. Seemingly, she has been compared to her sister a lot and she is noticing that now at home. Codi has come home to memories and thoughts that she forgot about when leaving and moving away. A great example of this is a quote on page 49 (Animal Dreams,Barbra Kingsolver) when Emilina, the high school friend of whom Codi is staying with, says "You used to have a hissy fit when we'd go over to Abuelita's and shed be killing chickens...remember even when we were big, twelve or thirteen" and Codi replied with "No that was Hallie. She is the one that had such a soft heart. We've always been real different that way. She'd cry if she stepped on a bug" This really exemplifies how Codi is the "forgotten" daughter considering one of her best high school friends can't even remember a difference between herself and her highly appreciated sister Hallie. There was also another section later on when Codi was talking about how she was not a fan of her body type but everyone loved Hallie.
Personally I feel bad for Codi. She held such high hopes and dreams for herself but since she didn't fight for her beliefs and held higher standards for herself. SO instead of being a doctor she is now a biology teacher at the town of Grace. No one even knows where that was. I want to step in for Codi and just yell at her to step out of the shadows of everyone else and BE YOU. I have a feeling that her epiphany will be coming soon enough and I can not wait to read about it. I see her as a strong intelligent character, but sadly most people don't even see her as Codi, but Hallie's sister.
Finally I just wanted to briefly verbalize (well in this case; type) my interest on this quote found on page 66 "This is my problem—I clearly remember things I haven't seen, sometimes things that never happened." I find it interesting that Codi has such a good memory because she was always following someone. She was observing her surroundings and i believe she didn't always see life through her eyes but through those eyes of those who she was easily comparable to, such as Hallie. She may not have ever lived her life but just those of others; seeing, feeling, and experiencing experiences through others but never through herself. I am intrigued by the mystique of this quote and truly hope to have more information revealed about it as the book goes on.
I am still deeply enjoying the description and vivid imagery of the scenes in this book. One includes when Codi was walking through the field and the kids were attacking the bird. I had a perfect image in my head that set up the scene so perfectly. I also enjoy the subtle humor. It always tends to lighten up the mood in needed times, such as when Codi's host family was about to kill the chickens. I am enjoying this intriguing novel however i can not wait to see how everything comes together, because i feel like there is a lot at risk. I want Codi to believe in who she is!! Fingers crossed!
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