si-book-blog

[si-book-blog]

Beyond the Mirror - Eleanor & Park by Rainbow Rowell

Eleanor & Park by Rainbow Rowell takes the readers through a journey alongside the main characters, Eleanor and Park, as they live through the complexities of adolescence, with a focus on the way young people tend to perceive themselves and each other. The narrative, set in Omaha, Nebraska in the mid-1980s, sheds light on the challenges Eleanor faces with her physical appearance being the stark contrast in the eyes of the traditional societal ideals of beauty. The novel explores the intricate relationship between the female body image and self-worth, highlighting the powerful influence of societal expectations on self-esteem and personal identity.

The 1980s was commonly seen to be a time of supermodels and the idolization of celebrities, coupled with the mark of the rise of mass media. As the images of thin women continued to mainstream into the 1980s and flowed into the 1990s, a narrow definition of beauty was perpetuated creating a pervasive culture that equated physical appearance with value and desirability (Speck, Gray and Ahrens). Extreme thinnest was presented throughout the media celebrated in fashion imagery, with larger bodies being highlighted as unhealthy and interchangeable with bad, leading to many judging their own bodies through the binary lens (Howard). The constant pressure to fit into the categorized ideals often resulted in women, in particular adolescent girls, feeling a sense of inadequacy and self-doubt.

In Eleanor & Park, Eleanor is detailed to be painfully aware of her body and the idea that it does not meet the conventional standards of beauty referred to in society. Her red hair, large frame, and unconventional fashion choices constant paint her a target for bullying on the bus and at school (Rowell). The lack of support and validation is shown to significantly impact Eleanor’s self-esteem, resulting in her viewing herself though a lens of shame and insecurity. Societal expectations of the time are presented through the cruel comments and behavior Eleanor is seen to encounter, reinforcing her negative self-image. With Eleanor’s struggle with her body image posing a central theme in the novel, readers see Eleanor often describing herself in derogatory terms mirroring the internalized sense of worthlessness Eleanor has tied to her body.

At school, the bullying exacerbates Eleanor’s insecurities. Tina and her friends use Eleanor’s appear as a weapon against her, using it to belittle and overall isolate her. The toxic environment Eleanor is forced to survive at home, specifically her abusive stepfather, Richie, further magnifies Eleanor's negative self-image (Rowell). Richie’s atmosphere of fear and control within the household contributes to Eleanor’s image through reinforcing her feeling of worthlessness in the cruel and degrading comments on her appearance and behavior. Richie’s neglect of Eleanor’s basic needs results in her wearing ill-fitting clothes, isolating her from her peers (Rowell). Richie’s behavior is not only limited to him, but also seen to branch off into Eleanor’s mother, who is too afraid of Richie to stand up for her daughter. The overall lack of a nurturing figure in her life is a major contributing factor in Eleanor’s negative body image, resulting in her lack of positive reinforcement seen to be needed in adolescences when building self-confidence.

The choice of clothing reflects Eleanor’s desire to hide her body from the judgmental gaze of the world. While her ill-fitting clothes are a result of neglect, the clothes act as a shield from the world, allowing Eleanor to retreat into herself and avoid the scrutiny that comes with being visibly different in another way. On the other hand, her protective shield reinforces her sense of otherness, making her someone who does not fit into the conventional standards of feminine beauty of the time period. Beyond the novel, the choice of clothing symbolize how society viewed women’s bodies and policed them in accordance to societal desires (Speck, Gray and Ahrens).

Despite Eleanor’s view of herself, Park’s view of her challenges the negative beliefs displayed upon her by those around her and her own self. With Eleanor’s appearance being in sharp contrast to the rest of the girls he has been conditioned to find typically attractive, Park is unsure what to categorize Eleanor as. However, as Park begins to get to know her, he sees beyond Eleanor’s hard exterior and finds the beauty within her uniqueness. The shift in Park’s perception of Eleanor brings to light the importance of acceptance, in both the oneself and by others. For Eleanor, Park’s growing love for her is what grows to become the catalyst for her to reevaluate her own view of her self-image. Through Park’s eyes, Eleanor grows to experience a form of validation, not based on superficial qualities, but based on a deeper connection. Park’s acceptance of Eleanor slowly is seen to allow Eleanor to accept herself, challenging the societal messages that dictated her self-image.

Eleanor & Park provides a nuanced exploration of impact female body image on self-worth. Rainbow Rowell examined the pervasive influence of societal expectation on how women themselves and each other through Eleanor’s experiences. Eleanor’s journey to self-acceptance is displayed to be one of struggle, but shows growth facilitated by her relationship with Park. The novel challenged the reader to consider ways in which society’s narrow definitions of beauty can be more harmful and damaging to individuals, while also leaving behind the message that acceptance can lead to a more positive self-image.

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Works Cited:

Ellison, Jenny. "Let Me Hear Your Body Talk: Aerobics for Fat Women Only, 1981–1985 MLA 9th Edition (Modern Language Assoc.) Cheryl Krasnick Warsh. Gender, Health, and Popular Culture : Historical Perspectives. Wilfrid Laurier University Press, 2011. APA 7th Edition (Am." Warsh, Cheryl Krasnick. Gender, Health, and Popular Culture : Historical Perspectives. Waterloo: Wilfrid Lauier University Press, 2011. 193-210.

Howard, Jacqueline. The history of the ‘ideal’ woman and where that has left us. 9 March 2018. 22 August 2024. <https://www.cnn.com/2018/03/07/health/body-image-history-of-beauty-explainer-intl/index.html#:~:text=Though%20images%20of%20thin%20women,athletic%20and%20toned%20body%20types.>.

Rowell, Rainbow. Eleanor & Park. Great Britain: Orion Books, 2012.

Speck, Mia Foley, James J. Gray and Anthony H. Ahrens. "No Longer Just a Pretty Face: Fashion Magazine's Depictions of Ideal Female Beauty from 1959 to 1999." The International Journal of Eating Disorders 36.3 (2004): 342-347.

[si-book-blog]

The Power of Silence and Voice - Sadie by Courtney Summers

In Sadie by Courtney Summers, Summers makes use of the interplay of silence and voice to lead her readers though the exploration of the challenges of being heard in a world that often tends to overlook the vulnerable and the children that slip through the cracks of society. The story explores the literal and metaphorical aspects of being heard, focusing on our protagonist, Sadie, and her struggle to find her voice and the more abstract implications of silence in society. Through its dual narrative structure and rich thematic exploration, "Sadie" presents a compelling commentary on the often overlooked or dismissed experiences of marginalized individuals.

Sadie's story is presented in a two narrative format, detailed with Sadie's first-person account and the true-crime podcast transcript, "The Girls" hosted by West McCray. This structure not only provides multiple perspectives but also underscores the fragmented nature of Sadie's reality. Throughout the tale, we discover Sadie has had a difficult life, marred by neglect, abuse, and the responsibility of raising her younger sister, Mattie, who is later found dead. When the police investigation yields no leads, Sadie sets out on a quest for revenge to kill the man she believes to be responsible for Mattie's death, Keith, a man who was once involved with their estranged mother and holds the roles of being their main abuser (Summers, 2018).

Beyond her journey for revenge, Sadie's character is marked by her struggle with a stutter, reflecting her metaphorical silencing. The condition is not just a personal challenge however, it is also a symbol for the broader societal tendency to overlook and dismiss those who do not conform to conventional expectations of communication and expression (Hunsaker, 2009). When in public, readers are able to see how others tend to view stutters, often being perceived negatively and viewed to be controllable or a simple result of nervousness (Hunsaker, 2009). This misperception highlights the stigma and misunderstanding surrounding speech impediments and amplifies the isolation Sadie feels. The novel portrays Sadie's journey as an attempt to assert her agency and voice, particularly in her quest for justice for Mattie.

The absence of significant adult figures, such as Sadie's mother, and the lack of intervention by authorities is also a display of silence and underscores the societal neglect that compound the character's struggles. This form of silence is not just a lack of sound, but an active erasure of voices and experiences that do not fit into dominant narratives. In this form, the silence can also be viewed as a manifestation of Sadie's trauma (Altrows, 2019). Sadie's silence, and in turn her stutter, is often portrayed as a problem to be resolved rather than focus being fixed on the crime committed against her and the death of her sister.

Sadie's trauma thus becomes a barrier to her healing and a means through which she internalizes her pain. The format of the novel, allows the reader to piece together that breaking Sadie's silence -- whether it be through speed, action, or other forms -- is essential and critical to Sadie's overall recovery. The podcast segments, in particular, serve to highlight the contrast between Sadie's isolated experience and the broader societal indifference, illustrating how stories like hers are often sensationalized or misunderstood in public discourse (Summers, 2018).

The true-crime podcast "The Girls," hosted by West McCray, serves as a narrative device to explore the theme of voice and silence further. McCray's investigation into Mattie's death and Sadie's disappearance provides an external perspective on the story, highlighting the ways in which media representations can both illuminate and obscure the truth. The podcast format allows Summers to delve into the complexities of storytelling and the power dynamics involved in who gets to tell the story and how it is told. McCray's evolving understanding of Sadie's story mirrors the reader's journey, as both come to realize the depth of Sadie's pain and the societal failures that contributed to her plight.

Moreover, the podcast segments underscore the theme of voyeurism and the ethical implications of consuming true-crime stories. McCray’s initial detachment and growing empathy reflect the tension between the public’s fascination with true crime and the often overlooked humanity of the victims. As McCray delves deeper into Sadie's story, he begins to grapple with his role in perpetuating the cycle of silence and exploitation, ultimately seeking to honor Sadie's voice and experiences. This shift in McCray's perspective serves as a critique of the true-crime genre and a call to recognize the real human suffering behind sensationalized narratives.

In exploring the broader societal implications of silence and voice, Summers also touches on themes of trauma, justice, and the search for identity. Sadie's journey is not just about seeking revenge but also about reclaiming her sense of self and agency. Her quest forces her to confront her own pain and the ways in which she has been silenced, both by others and by her own internalized shame and fear. The novel's exploration of these themes is both nuanced and deeply affecting, offering a powerful commentary on the ways in which trauma shapes identity and the ongoing struggle to be heard and understood.

Sadie by Courtney Summers is a profound analysis of the complex interplay of silence and voice, leading her readers through the exploration of the challenges of being heard in a world that dismisses the vulnerable. Through, the dual narrative structure, Summers emphasize Sadie's struggle to regain her voice while on her quest for revenge amidst her own resulting tramua. Sadie brings the stories of marginalized individuals to light, leaving readers the challenge to reconsider the importance of being heard and validated.

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Works Cited:

Summers, Courtney. Sadie First edition., Wednesday Books, , 2018.

Altrows, Aiyana. “Silence and the Regulation of Feminist Anger in Young Adult Rape Fiction.” Girlhood Studies, vol. 12, no. 2, 2019, pp. 1–16, https://doi.org/10.3167/ghs.2019.120202. Accessed 5 Aug. 2024.

Hunsaker, Sadie A. "The Social Effects of Stuttering in Adolescents and Young Adults." Southern Illinois University Carbondale, 2011. OpenSIUC, http://opensiuc.lib.siu.edu/gs_rp/70. Accessed 5 Aug. 2024.

[si-book-blog]

Amplify Young Black Voices - (Long Way Down by Jason Reynolds)

“You Coming?” Shawn’s last words to his brother Will, ends the story of Will’s internal turmoil in the ride down the elevator to the ground floor. In Long Way Down by Jason Reynolds, fifteen-year-old Will Holloman witness the murder of his older brother Shawn and is forced to grapple with his death. Will’s community has only three rules when it comes to the daily violence that occurs:

No. 1: Do not cry.

No. 2: Do not snitch.

And No. 3: If someone you love gets killed, get revenge.

In adherence to the rules and way of the community, Will grabs Shawn’s gun from Shawn dresser to begin the walk to the elevator that will take him on his way to kill Shawn’s suspected murderer, Calton Riggs. As the elevator travels down the shaft to the ground floor, a ghost from Will’s past enters the elevator at each level, sharing their story to challenge Will’s understanding of the community’s rules.

When Jason Reynolds sought out to write Long Way Down, he aimed to help amplify the voices of young Black children whose stories often go untold or unacknowledged in comparison to their peers. In a New York Times article written by Concepcion De Leon, Reynolds is quoted in discussion concerning the dual inclusion of guns and violence standing beside joy and happiness: “There’s always a joke in there somewhere…You don’t go through what black and brown people have been through in this country and survive without understanding how to tap into joy” (Leon 2019). Jason Reynolds recognizes the common theme of violent activities within his novels but emphasizes that he does so with a purpose. Reynolds primary goal is to portray the lives of young Black children authentically, including the boys crying to help them understand it is okay to cry and feel strong emotions.

Reynolds sympathizes with the kids in his own right, often referencing the fact it was not until he reached the age of 17, that he finally read a book cover to cover (Krug 2017). When telling young people his story, he notes that idea as “not cool” and made his life “infinitely more difficult” (Krug 2017). The voices in his stories also reflect those around him growing up in the 80s and 90s, in a neighborhood where drugs and violence was prominent. By sharing his own personal struggles, his approach ensures that these stories are not overwhelming or frightening for young readers. Instead, they are infused with a sense of hope and resilience. Despite the harsh environment, Jason Reynolds’ home was filled with love and support from family and close friends. This blend of external chaos and internal warmth deeply influences his storytelling, providing a nuanced perspective that resonates with his readers.

In “Celebrating and Inspiring Young Voices: A Chat with Jason Reynolds” by Cynthia Alaniz and April Whatley Bedford, Jason Reynolds further emphasize this goal of amplifying the voices of Black children. He focuses down on changing the narrative by placing the children in the interviewer seat and placing himself as the interviewee. “Nothing is off limits–– which adults are so terrified of…because the moment you tell a young person they have an inappropriate question, you shut down their curiosity” (Alaniz, Bedford 2020). Reynolds focus on engaging with young people to provide them with a platform to say anything and ask the questions they might have been shunned to ask in the past. By doing so he is able to write the stories he shares, connecting with his current and prospective readers on a deeper level.

Reynolds’ approach involves creating a space for young people to feel heard and validated. He highlights the importance of addressing the concerns and experiences as authentically as he can. Thus, Reynolds is able to foster a sense of empowerment amongst his readers as well. Through his method of flipping the narrative, Jason Reynolds helps dismantle the barriers often silencing young voices. Overall, Reynolds’ work stands as a testament to the power of storytelling in bridging gaps, ultimately helping young Black children to see the value in their experiences and emotions.

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Works Cited

Alaniz, Cynthia, and April Whatley Bedford. "Celebrating and Inspiring Young Voices: A Chat with Jason Reynolds." Journal of Children's Literature 46.2 (2020///Fall): 66-72. ProQuest. Web. 15 July 2024.

Krug, Nora. "Jason Reynolds Spreads the Word." The Washington Post, 2017 Oct 24 2017/10/24/, ProQuest. Web. 15 July 2024.

LEON, CONCEPCION D. "Jason Reynolds is on a Mission: The Writer Wants Black Teenagers and Children to Know that He Sees them." New York Times (1923-), 2019 Nov 08 2019/11/08/, p. 2. ProQuest. Web. 15 July 2024.

Reynolds, Jason. Long Way Down. Faber & Faber, 2018.