Monday, June 11, 2012

Final Response

Recently I've just finished my coming of age novel, Its Kind Of A Funny Story by Ned Vizzini. This has to be  one of my favorite books of all time. As I was re-reading this, I noticed some things that I didn't notice before. I never interpreted some aspects of the book the way I do now. Craig Gilner's way of thinking is just one of the many things I now apprehend differently.
In many parts of the book, Craig interacts with a voice in his head. The communication between them goes like a commander/general telling the solider directions. In this case one half of Craig is this depressed solider with no will to live and the other half is this encouraging voice that urges him to live. For instance, one of the conversation they've had on pg 45 goes like this:
What were you trying to do, soldier?
I was trying to eat, sir!
And what happened?
I got caught thinking about some crap, sir!
When I first read this book, I really didn't pay close attention to these parts. But now I see how this shows Craig's state of mind during depression. He was lonely, and didn't have anyone to turn to because no one understood. 

In class we discussed quotes that portrayed the protagonists philosophy. Well, one quote I think I really felt for is on pg 161, "Life's not about feeling better; it's about getting the job done." This line really stood out to me. It was said by Craig's commander/general. This quote means that in life its not even about the problems and obstacles and those bad days...its about moving forward and keep on living. That's what getting the job done is. To live a full life is a life well lived.