Journal 4/ Quarter 4

“Just because a bird is resting on a tree doesn’t mean it is incapable of flying.”

 

~Literal/Symbolic Meaning- Birds always have something to do. Whether it’s gathering sticks and leaves for a nest, or heading south for the winter, these species always have a purpose, goal or direction. Although birds are often flying, this quote illustrates another major part of a bird’s life. It shows how a bird is just staying still on a bough. The bird not going anywhere at the moment and it is taking a break while preparing itself for another long flight to its destination. The bird is still able to fly and is capable in finishing its business, but we are just witnessing it at a time of rest and recuperation. Symbolically, this quote entails a pit stop in someone’s life. The bird represents any given person who is going through a hard time and just needs to sit back and take a break while mentally recovering from the tough situations. The tree is the strong support system every person needs in order to continue on their journey in life. There will always be rough patches but anyone and everyone is able to make a comeback once they take the time and patiently regroup themselves. Just because someone’s life or career is on a standstill, doesn’t mean they can’t come back with full force and succeed while being filled with happiness.

 

~Application to Life in General- There comes a time in everyone’s life when things start to fall apart and go sour. However, this quote shows us that no matter what happens to us, we are always able to get up and continue on to achieve our goals and fulfill our dreams. Taking a break is very helpful and it should never be judged as laziness or quitting. It is a time of recovery and during this time one might even find themselves and discover a solution in order to get back up and succeed. Everyone has the ability to achieve greatness, but sometimes you can get knocked down from all the fear, craziness and doubt around you. During these hard and trying times, it is important to remember that you can’t stay down forever. No matter how long it takes, you can always “spread those wings and fly again”. Success and happiness is all up to the individual. Everyone has the potential to be great; you just need to have the willpower to start again after encountering tough situations.

 

~Application to Individual Life- This quote relates directly to me and my golf game. Golf, along with many other sports is a game that has many ups and downs. When things are going well it’s like flying, and I feel like the possibilities are endless with nothing stopping me. However, in a blink of an eye everything can change and just like that I can hit the ground hard. Being grounded is tough and the times are very disheartening, but I need to maintain trust in myself and know that I can get right back up again and start achieving my goals. When a bird rests on a branch, it proves to me that it is just a temporary moment when things aren’t moving forward. It is up to the bird to decide when it is the right time to fly again and that shows me that if I wait patiently and grow stronger from the whole ordeal, I will be able to succeed once again when the time is right.

Journal 3/ Quarter 4

“Don’t fight the wind.”

 

~Literal and Symbolic Meaning- When you step outside of your house on a clear, peaceful day, everything seems perfect and in order. As relaxing as it seems, good things like this never last for long. Wind is part of nature and therefore superior towards human powers. Even though calm, serene days are much more preferred, we have to accept the fact that there will be windy days that make things seem more miserable and less relaxing. When it becomes windy after a still, peaceful day, this sudden change in weather usually indicates a storm coming. Although the storm is ominous and threatening, we can not try to stop what the winds have brought us. It makes no difference to try and run away or fight the upcoming events, because nature will always take its course. Symbolically, the wind represents distress and a change in direction. Life is full of unexpected changes and it does no good trying to fight what is imminent. The first feeling associated with change is usually pessimistic, however if we are willing to accept it and make the best out of the situation, the end result will be favorable. This quote also serves as a domino effect. With wind, comes an ominous storm and the storm signifies the hardships one will have to endure. Although the storm creates much stress and anxiety, the rain ultimately washes away all the previous doubts and fear. If one can stay patient throughout this whole ordeal, they will be able to see the goodness in the adversity. After the storm passes, new flowers and beautiful plants sprout up. Symbolically, during a time of hardship you grow mentally stronger which helps propel you to move forward in life.

 

~Impact/ Memorable/ Received- Although this simple quote is only 4 words, there is a lot of inspirational meaning behind it. One of the hardest things for humans to do is accept change and unfamiliar circumstances. However, I think this quote will help them realize that change is inevitable. Because in reality, it’s not the change that defines us, it is how we decide to handle the change. We can choose to accept what nature has brought us and make the best out of the situation, or we can sit around and mope about how life is terrible. It’s the choices we make that define us and this quote reminds people that acceptance is key. Once people can accept change, the hardships won’t seem as unbearable. Furthermore, they will be able to realize the beauty in changes and how much stronger you can become after enduring such trying times.

Journal 2/ Quarter 2

“Be the change you wish to see in the world.” –Gandhi

 

Literal and Symbolic Meaning: This world is far from being a perfect place and there are many aspects of life and society in general that could be improved upon. Literally, Gandhi is trying to express that a person should not sit around complaining about all the things that are wrong in the world. Instead the person should be the one making changes in order for the world to become a better place to live. Anyone can sit around and imagine their life and the world through an idealistic view, however dreaming does no good. Symbolically, Gandhi strongly suggests that everyone has the power to do achieve anything they want. Possibilities are endless and the only limits people come across are the doubts and obstacles we feel in our own minds. If there is something wrong in society or in our own lives, we have the absolute power to control and change the situation. Nothing is impossible and although sometimes we would love to disagree with that, Gandhi shows us that once we are able to find enough mental strength inside of us, we will be able to make a difference in our own lives and in the world, no matter what.

 

Famous Figures: Throughout history, there have been many people who have challenged the odds and made a tremendous impact in our world. Regardless of their though situations, they have been able to pull through and apply this potent quote to their lives. Jackie Robinson is a great example. In 1947, he made his first professional Major League Baseball debut. He was the first African American to make a debut in the MLB. During a time of great racial segregation, Robinson was able to knock down the color barrier in baseball. Although many white people gave him a difficult time, Robinson never gave up hope and eventually won numerous awards such as the National League MPV Award. Not only did he make an impact in the world of baseball, but he was also a forerunner of the Civil Rights movement and was a very influential figure for African Americans nationwide.

After successfully battling an internal war of cancer and winning numerous times in the Tour de France, Lance Armstrong is another extremely influential figure who changed the lives of many people. He was not only able to raise millions of dollars through charities to support cancer research, but Armstrong served as a great motivator to anyone who is going through a tough time. Through all the pain and suffering, Armstrong not only survived, but he was also able to continue to do what he loved which was cycling. He proves that anything is possible and you should never back down from an obstacle; big or small.

These two athletes were able to change the world and the lives of many people even when the odds were against them.

 

Application to your Individual Life: Honestly, I don’t think I could ever bring about change to millions of people like Oprah or Martin Luther King Jr. etc, but I think that making subtle but important changes in areas around me is significant enough. By leading a good life and choosing the right paths to take, I think I would be able to be a good example for people to follow. I believe if I am able to treat people the way I would like to be treated; then the world will be a better place, even though it is on a micro level. I think one little action can cause a domino effect. If people get influenced by a kind and sincere action and begin to treat other people kindly, they have in fact made a difference in the world. Therefore, I believe that I can be a positive change if I just treat people kindly and make the right choices in life.

Journal 1- Quarter 4

“Once you have tasted flight you will forever walk the earth with your eyes turned skyward for there you have been, and there you will always long to return.”

 

Literal and Symbolic Meaning: The author of this quote is trying to explain to us the feeling associated when a person experiences their first taste of success. Ordinary is to walk with everyone around you, but extraordinary is to soar above others into a realm where only few have been able to reach. Once you have been able to attain that success and glory, the author illustrates the fact that nothing will be able to compare to it. You will always be longing for the feeling of success again and you will not settle for anything less. The ability to fly represents freedom and supernatural capability. However, walking is something that everyone does and can do. It is nothing special or out of the norm. Walking is a simple task and in contrast to flying, it is not looked up upon to be a great deed. Therefore, once you have been able to experience such freedom and power, it will be hard to think about anything else. Because all good things come to an end, you will then be yearning for the success and power that is associated with flying. Walking on earth simply won’t be enough because your eyes are always “turned skyward”. When you look skyward, the possibilities are endless with visions for the future that are clear and bright.

 

Application to Life in General: The feelings related to success should be felt by everyone. The author indirectly illustrates how wonderful and sensational success can be and how nothing else can compare to it. Because these feelings of triumph are so potent and remarkable, everyone should have the chance to experience it. This quote should serve as an inspiration to everyone because it shows that there is more to life than walking around aimlessly and conforming to the ordinary people around you. Being successful and accomplishing ones dreams and goals is far more satisfying; and one should be focused on their ambitions so they can soar above the people around them. Furthermore, once a person is able to experience that first taste of success, they will never want to walk again. Even though some good things such as success will eventually come to an end, the person should not get discouraged; instead they need to work harder and push themselves in order to be able to fly once again.

 

Application to Individual Life: Whatever I do in life, I strive to be the best and this quote directly applies to me in that sense. This quote is very motivational because I don’t want to be “walking around” with other people (in other words to be mediocre). I want to soar above the rest and feel the great sensations associated with success as much as possible. This quote helps me reminisce about times where I have succeeded and I long to have that feeling again. Even though I am not completely satisfied with my accomplishments right now, I will continue to push myself as far as possible in order to get to the top once again.

Journal 4

“Do not be too moral. You might cheat yourself out of much life. Aim high above morality. Be not simply good; be good for something.”

Although living life by the rules is great, I think Thoreau is trying to address the fact that scrutinizing the goodness of character and behavior may not be the best way to live life. When one becomes too obsessed with what is right and wrong, one will start to miss out on what he or she really wants or believes in. In reality, morality is just based on religious beliefs such as the Ten Commandments. However, if you think about it, following those 10 Commandments relies on much more than just “not lying” or “not committing adultery”. There has to be belief and meaning behind your actions. You can live your whole life abiding by the rules and “doing what Simon says” but if you don’t truly understand the reasons for following the moral rules, then you will live life as a blind man (or woman). Through this quote, Thoreau is trying to demonstrate that you can’t live life to the fullest if you are just acting morally. To have a successful and complete life, you have to be moral, but you also have to know what you believe in and fight for it. For example, you wouldn’t obey the 7^th commandment (do not commit adultery) just because you were taught not to. Committing adultery hurts your spouse who you loved and cared for at one point (or else you wouldn’t have married him/her). Not only that but it is very upsetting to be dishonest and you wouldn’t want that to be done to you. Having ethnical and moral values are great as long as you know that your standards correspond with what you really believe in.

 

When I was growing up, I never really understood why my mother stressed so much about “treating others the way you would like to be treated”. I always said or did things that was beneficial to myself and never really thought outside my little, self- obsessed world to realize how others felt about my actions and words. When my mom always told me to treat others the way I would like to be treated, I never thought deeply into what she really meant. I just watched my mouth sometimes because I didn’t want to get into trouble. Now that I’m older, I’ve begun to realize what my mom was really talking about. A few years ago I got a taste of my own medicine and I went through a tough time where my peers didn’t accept me for who I was. I tried so hard to pretend to be someone I wasn’t just so I could fit it. Nevertheless, I was still treated poorly and had to deal with very harsh criticism. The public humiliation and verbal abuse was so intense that I really thought I had no right being here. Because of this whole ordeal I am now able to see clearly what my mom was trying to teach me so many years ago. At first I was just listening to her and her moral standards because she told me to. But now, I treat others with kindness and benevolence because I know that no one deserves to be treated coldly. I honestly believe everyone deserves a fair chance without being judged and because I believe that, I treat others the way I would want to be treated. My moral actions are backed by my firm beliefs and I will live a complete life knowing exactly where I stand.

Journal #3

“What would you attempt to do if you could not fail”

This quote challenges many people. It is natural for most (if not all) people to fear the worst and have doubts about any circumstance. Therefore, the author of this quote attacks human nature head on. This quote makes people think of all the possibilities and endless opportunities that are readily available to anyone who is brave enough block out the fear and doubt. All too often people are too scared of failing that they would rather quit than to gut it out and go for it. People pay too much attention to the results and the “what if” rather than focusing and enjoying the process. In addition, humans typically have very large egos and one little mishap or blunder could drive someone’s pride and confidence down the toilet. It is our insecurities and uncertainties that prevent many great things from being achieved. However, this quote makes us sit back and think about all the things we might have with held in the past due to the fear of failing or being made fun of. Not too many people are brave enough or mentally strong enough to forget about criticism and how people view their actions. The word “failing” has been thought of by many people, as the action when a goal is not achieved. But, if more individuals viewed those unachieved goals as a learning experience rather than “failing”, then there would be less fear when attempting to do something.  Furthermore, more people will be able to stand up and fight for the goals and dreams they’ve longed for because all of the sudden, “failing” really isn’t as terrible as they thought it was.

 

I think this quote really irritates me because I have always been the conservative, “plays it safe” type of person. I have never been known to take risks and this quote challenges me and my motives. It’s like the author was speaking right to me and all my insecurities with this quote because I have never been able to propose any new ideas or shared my truth opinions or feelings with anyone because I’ve always been afraid of what people might think. Not too long ago, I was given the opportunity to stay in China for 3 months and play in the golf tournament circuit. Because I don’t speak Mandarin I was afraid to stay in a foreign place. I could have learned the language while I stayed there but I was afraid of making a fool out of myself when communicating with my peers and other people who lived there. The golfers who play on the Asian circuit speak several different languages and I was terrified with what they would think of me especially since I was born in America. Because of that insecurity with my self image, I gave up an amazing opportunity to experience a different culture and to meet new people.

 

Over the summer I was in contention to win a very prestigious tournament. I was playing with the leader who was one stroke ahead of me as we were going into the last hole. It was a par 5 with water to the left of the green and I knew this would be the deciding hole of our match. The leader played it safe and laid up with and iron. I had about 220 yards to the green and it was easily reachable. If I got onto the green, it would surely secure a national title. I took out the 3 wood and was ready to give it a go but as I was taking a practice swing, the water on the left side of the hole caught my eye and right at that moment, I felt my whole body tense up and my mind just went ballistic. All the fear and doubt that could possibly exist entered my mind and I couldn’t stop thinking about the water. Although I had a straight forward, easy shot, I was too caught up with “what if”. Furthermore, all I could think about were the negative results instead of focusing on the process and taking it one step at a time. Of course, I stepped back and changed my decision of my club selection. I decided to lay up just like the leader and the rest is history. We both made the same score and I lost the tournament by one shot. It really frustrates me because I gave up another great opportunity due to lack of confidence. Obviously, hind sight is 20/20 but I should have trusted myself instead of fearing the worst. A loss is a loss no matter what position I come in (2^nd or dead last) and I should have gave it a go.

 

I think that from now on, if I start living by this quote I will be much happier and have a life without so many regrets. I have to push aside all the fear and doubt of the outcomes in my mind and just focus on the process one step at a time. After all, if I just do what I love and believe in, the success and positive results will come.

Journal 1/ Quote 2

2.  “Finish each day and be done with it.  You have done what you could.  Some blunders and absurdities have crept in; forget them as soon as you can.  Tomorrow is a new day.  You shall begin it serenely and with too high a spirit to be encumbered with your old nonsense.”  – Emerson

~Literal & Symbolic Meaning: The average life expectancy for any given person is about 77 years old. Throughout this long period of time, many unfortunate events are bound to take place. However, at the end of the day we have to learn how to let go and forget about the frustrations and anxiety that were thrown at us. As long as we tried our best in everything we attempt to do, nothing else should matter. Furthermore, every 24 hours signifies a new beginning. Literally, “tomorrow” is just another day; however, the symbolic meaning applied to that term is the fact that everyday creates a new window of opportunity for us to achieve greatness. When the sun comes up in the morning, it washes away all the darkness of the previous night. This thought works hand in hand with the fact that all doubt and disappointments dissipate when we wake up in the morning. Because it is a brand new beginning, we should approach everyday with an optimistic mind set knowing that great things are bound to happen.

 ~Application to Life in General: Once we realize that everyday stands for a new beginning, we will be able to change our outlook upon life. All too often we are caught up in the past while housing all the frustration and doubt in our memory banks. By doing so, we ultimately drain out all the fire and light inside of us. Instead of being excited for the new opportunity, we keep our heads down because all we’re focused on are the mistakes that were made in the past. However, if we are able to apply ourselves to this inspirational quote, it wont be long until we begin to live a life full of hope and confidence. We should strive for the best every single day so we know that no matter what happens, we did all that we could. This quote teaches everyone to approach each day with a positive attitude, eager to start fresh and make the best of what was given to them. After all, isn’t life all about giving it your all and living with no regrets?!

 ~Application to your Individual Life: It is almost as if Emerson was speaking right to me with that quote. I have always been extremely critical of myself and sometimes its hard for me to let go of mistakes I’ve made. However, for the past year I have been reading this quote to myself and it helped me realize that I can not control every situation or outcome that I have to face. All I can do is to put forth 110% effort and passion into my work and let destiny take its course. Every day is a brand new beginning for me to make great things happen. As long as I know in my heart that I gave it my best, then no matter what the results are, I will have no regrets.

Journal 1/ Quote 1

1.  “Life isn’t about finding yourself.  Life is about creating yourself.”  — Unknown

~ Literal/ Symbolic Meaning: A majority of people have the philosophy that everyone is destined to become one way or another. Therefore, their mission in life is to find out who they are suppose to be. However, this motivational quote illustrates the fact that, trying to “find yourself” is not the right route to take. From the very first day we were born, we were given an amazing opportunity to make our life as meaningful as possible. The decisions and choices we make and the different paths we take are really what shapes who we become. Symbolically, I believe this quote advises individuals to take time and think about the the choices we make as we stand before crossroads in our lives. We can be who ever we want to be and the choices we make dictate who we become regardless of the different traits we inherited and the environment we grew up in. Not to say that nature and nurture doesn’t play a significant role in who we become; however those two things are uncontrollable. Instead of having our inherited traits and background become a burden over our shoulders, we should take what was given to us and use it towards our advantage. Children who are less fortunate should not let their situation bring them down. In fact, they should use it to motivate them to stay out of trouble and to study hard to make a better life for themselves and their family. They do not have to live in poverty forever. By making the right choices and staying determined, they can break their status quo and have a successful life.

~ Application to Life in General: “Creating yourself” is all about focusing on the future while learning from the past in order to make the right choices in the present. It is crucial to remember that life is full of mistakes and failures. But we can not let that bring us down. Converting failed attempts into valuable learning experiences ultimately help shape us into successful people. In addition, it is important to remember that the quote says “life is about creatingyourself.” The process; not the end result is essential to who we become. While taking our failures and turning them into learning experiences, we actuate ourselves to make changes and become an even better person. We become motivated and determined which are great characteristics to have. Success and happiness is without a doubt a very difficult thing to attain. But when you apply yourself 100% and stay committed, you will become a mentally strong, diligent and persistent person. Obstacles and failures are extremely discouraging however, the person you create for yourself is determined by how you handle the frustration. By getting off your knees and making a stand, you are strong, confident and successful. On the contrary, if you decide the pain is too much and give up; the person you’ve created for yourself is a weak and cowardly individual. Regardless of what happens, everyone is able to control the choices they make. And those choices determine who they become.

~Application to you Individual Life: Because I dedicate my life to golf, I believe this motivational quote is a great one to live by. Golf is a sport full of up and downs, pains and gains. There have been long periods of time where my game has struggled and it seems no matter what I do, i can’t seem to rise up above the rut. There were times when I just wanted to throw in the towel and walk away. But then I thought… “Is this really the person I want to become?” The greatest discovery I was able to make was the fact that life really is about creating myself. That drove me to keep pushing forward because I was not going to let failure define who I am. No matter what happens, I know that everyday provides a new window of opportunity where anything can happen. This quote helps to propel me forward because I know I am in control of my life and my career. What I want to achieve and who I want to be is all up to me.

All the Pretty Horses- Reflection

The “coming of age” theme is very prominent throughout this novel. “All the Pretty Horses” is a novel that provides an up close and personal journey about a teenage boy ready to make the transformation from boy to man. At the beginning, John Grady Cole was a naive and idealistic boy who believed that life was made up of beautiful dreams. However, the journey to Mexico was a rude awakening for John; who went through severe pain and suffering (physical and emotional) in order to realize the true realities of the world. Nevertheless, there is the saying- “when all is lost, all is left to gain.” For John, although he had gone through difficult times, the pain helped him grow stronger and mature more as an adult. By the end of the novel, John Cole was watching children play while he sat alone having not the tiniest desire to joy their fun. The things that seemed to make life enjoyable for kids was absolutely irrelevant to John’s life now.

I really appreciate this life lesson McCarthy has illustrated in the novel because any teenager like me can relate to the “coming of age” theme. As children grow up, we all depict life as sort of a fantasy similar from any Disney movie. However, we have to realize that life is not about the dreams and fantasies we have. I believe this novel taught me that you have to face life head on without ever letting your guard down. When things get rough, you have to stay mentally tough and fight for what you believe in. The novel has also taught me that hitting rock bottom is not the end of the world. Getting back up on your feet and turning failures into success is what really makes life meaningful.

All the Pretty Horses Pg. 263- 301

Characters:

~The captain- He is taken hostage by John Cole when he comes back to retrieve his horses. Did not play a big role and he was eventually freed from Cole by a few local men.

~The Judge- He played a very influential role in John Cole’s life. After granting John the right to keep Blevin’s horse, John seeks the judge for some advice and moral support. John confesses that he doesn’t believe he is a very good person because he killed a boy in jail and he held the captain hostage. However the judge tells him that he did the right thing considering his situation. The judge advises John that not everyone in the world is good. It is a shame, but the belief that everyone is truly good and kind is the farthest thin from the truth. There are bad people and they deserve to be punished.

~Reverend Jimmy Blevins- A hard working preacher whom Cole sought out to ask if he had any relations with little Blevins. Unfortunately there was no connection and instead the reverend extended a helping hand and offered John a nice, hearty dinner. His radio show is broad-casted all over the world and he and his wife both feel blessed to have so many people listening to the word of Christ for the first time. Blevin’s wife did say that it was very exhausting for him because many people get carried away with blessings from him.

Plot:

Shorty after being parted from Alejandra, John goes to find his horse. He akes the captain hostage and eventually gets his horse along with Blevin’s horse and Rawlin’s Redbo. However it was not easy getting the horses and he was shot in the leg by pursuers who followed him as he rode away. John Cole shows more of his strength as he tries to heal his wound. He was in tremendous pain but still moved on forward. He crosses the border on Thanksgiving day and he was also sent to court for trial of Blevin’s horse. In the end, the considerate judge rewarded him with the horse. John spends several months looking for the real owner of the horse and even contacts Reverend Blevins but has no luck. He eventually goes back home where he attends his abuela’s funeral. In the end John Grady Cole realizes that there is nothing left for him at home and he ventures out to a new destination.

Quotes:

“… in his sleep he dreamt of horses… where no rain could erase it.” Page 280

~In comparison to his previous dreams, this one is much darker. The horses are no longer running freely through endless fields of flowers and grass. Instead the picture that is painted is very gray and gloomy. In his dream the horses moved so gravely because the goodness of the world seemed to be washed away. It is like looking over something that was destroyed and feeling the frustration associated with the vision. The world was not what John had pictured in his mind before and all that is left are memories and recollections of what was “suppose” to be. However at the end of the passage, John dreamt that “the order in the horse’s heart was more durable for it was written in a place where no rain could erase it.” Although reality and the world around him is evil, gray and devastating, John still believes in the goodness that is still etched in his heart and nothing can ever erase it. He will never let his personality be altered by society.

 ”He stood at the window of the empty cafe and watched the activities in the square and he said that it was good that God kept the truths of life from the young as they were starting out or else they’d have no heart to start at all.”

~As a mature adult, John has finally realized the darkness of the world itself. This quotes represents the coming of age theme. He is no longer the young, naive teenage boy and in fact, in the quote he refers to himself as the older wiser man being thankful that “the truths of life” are hidden from the “young”. Even though reality is what it is, children and teenagers still need to trust that their dreams can come true. John believes that the tough and dark world needs young, positive idealists to enter and perhaps change society little by little.

“I think from what you told me you done real well to get out of there with a whole hide. Maybe the best thing to do might be just to go on and put it behind you. My daddy used to tell me not to chew on something that was eating you.” Page 291

~The judge gave John some words of wisdom when John doubted himself after his whole ordeal in Mexico. John seemed to be trying to blame himself for his misfortune down in Mexico when really it was just a bad hand of cards for him. The judge was convincing him not to be so hard on himself because he was just a good guy trying to make a life for himself. Furthermore, the judge advised him to put the past behind him and try to make a better life for himself. There is no point in stressing over the past when you can start fresh from this point forward. For John, in order for him to move forward he needs to take the pain and suffering he experienced in Mexico and turn it into mental strength. He needs to forget about the losses of loved ones and trust that he can find happiness alone.

Other Elements:

~Ideas of Transcendentalism- The belief that man is innately good and society creates the evil. Both Alfonsa and John believe that children are all fresh and intelligent and not until they get older do they see the true picture of the world. In fact they both experienced this first hand. Alfonsa, along with her friends Francisco and Gustavo were idealists and kind hearted people. However after Alfonsa was banned from seeing Gustavo and after the brothers were publicly tortured, she had come to her senses about what the world is really like. John Cole is also a perfect example. In the beginning he dreamt and envisioned an idyllic world with freedom and without responsibility. However he got a rude awakening when he reached Mexico. They both realize how dark and uncontrollable society is and how humans can turn violent oppressive.

~Contrast- The author has clearly painted an awful picture of society and reality. However, not everyone is as evil as Alfonsa described earlier in the chapter. When John left the jail, there were many kind strangers that greeted him and John seemed surprised by this. The judge and the Blevins couple were really helpful and supportive as well. It goes to show that not all hope is lost when it comes to good morals.

~Motif/Subject: The same subject that John’s home is really not the place for him is illustrated here in the end of the book. He left his hometown in the first place because he felt that there was nothing there that suited him. When he came back there was even less than before he left. His father had died, the ranch was sold, his mother was still long gone and now his abuela, who has been taking care of him and his family for many years has passed away. In addition, his relationship with his best friend Rawlins seems distant and they have grown apart from each other. To John his hometown was nothing and he felt that he would never feel comfortable there.

~Motif/Subject: Change- Throughout this whole novel it seems as if John always had a plan and a direction and a destination. In the beginning he wanted to go to Mexico and become a cowboy. Then after going to jail he travelled to find Alejandra. After both journeys were painful and unsuccessful, he was determined to go get his horses back and eventually headed back home trying to find the real owner of Blevin’s horse. However as the story ends, we see that now John really has no plan and no destination anymore. He knows he doesn’t belong in his hometown but he doesn’t know yet where he belongs. In the end he is just riding off into the sunset and no one knows where he is really headed towards.

~There is also change in John’s attitude and personality. Throughout the book John has always been portrayed as the strong leader. Through all the pain and anguish, he never left anyone see his emotions. He always tried to stay brave and strong. However towards the end of the book when he realizes his father is dead, we see the first signs of his human characteristics. He no longer cared about being the “tough guy” anymore. He had gone through so much and it was time for him to let out his emotions.

~Tone- The last paragraph of the story shows a grave tone from the author that is similar to the first page of this novel when the grandfather died. The picture that is painted is of “blood” and red. All the blood and suffering John experienced has made him the man he is right now. He sacrificed his blood and so much more for his dreams and now all that is left of him is a man without direction. The author writes that his shadow and the shadow of his horse become one single being which illustrates the love and strong connection between John and his horse. The ending is a picture of the two of them fading into the darkness. I think this symbolizes John Cole’s fate in the world. He has gone through so much and I don’t think there is anything left for him to give. He just just going to fade into the “darkening land, the world to come.”