http://www.youtube.com/watch?v=JXmVnT1jElA
Monday, January 2, 2012
Better Days
Reading the last part of the book reminded me of the Goo Goo Dolls' song "Better Days." As Craig steps out onto the sidewalk as he leaves Six North, he thinks to himself, "I'm a free man. Well, I'm a minor, but one quarter of your life is spent as a minor; you might as well make the best of it. I'm a free minor" (358). This signifies Craig steadily making the change into becoming a "free" individual again. He is free to do what he wants to do, like the other kids his age. Craig is learning to take life as it comes and enjoy every minute of it. In the song "Better Days," it says, "Everyone's forgiven now/ Cause tonight's the night the world begins again." This is what Craig is experiencing- a revelation, a new beginning. He is leaving the hospital rejuvenated, ready to start a new life that he will lead freely. No longer will he be bound by the restrictions of Six North, which signifies his independence.
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I think this is a really good song to relate to Craig.
ReplyDeleteWhat I liked about this book was that it showed someone who did not fit the 'typical' teenage mold, of someone who could succeed in academics and still manage to have a good social life. For kids like Craig, although they are smart, these expectations trap them because there really isn't room for kids who are artistic or talented in a different way. As you said, at the end he was happy like his peers, and found his own independence. This is so important because it shows that even though he isn't happy with the same things that the other kids are happy with (good grades, social life, etc.) he is happy because he has found his own niche in life. This revelation will hopefully lead him to better days :)
I agree with Maura in the fact the society is set in its ways, and when someone does not fit the definition of "normal" they are marked off and labeled. Craig however tired to fit this and desired to be like the kids around him. This is proven by his consistancy of academics and desire to excell. This shows that he can be lead to better days :)
ReplyDeleteAh I love this song! It relates perfectly to Craig: "live. live. live" are the last few words of the novel he expresses as it shows his hope and confidence for the 'better days' to come! :D
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