Exemplars: Reading Responses
Below, please find some reading responses from last year's ENG 3UE class. Before writing do consult the checklists and rubrics given to you with your assignment. These sample responses have not been evaluated, but think about the strengths and weaknesses as outlined in your evaluation as you read through these.
STUDENT A: The Hunchback of Notre Dame
Response #1: Character
In my opinion, the first critical point of the novel is the first introduction at the Festival of Fools. This is a crucial moment in the novel because Hugo allows us to view the main characters objectively, through the eyes of others. The reader is allowed an introduction to the quintessential characters used in the tragic historical novel; Quasimodo, La Esmeralda, and . through the eyes of the audience at the Festival, without the influence of the subjective opinions implemented by the author throughout the subsequent chapters. We are first fully introduced to Quasimodo with,
"His prodigious head was covered with red bristles; between his shoulders rose an enormous hump, which was counterbalanced by a protuberance in front; his thighs and legs were so strangely put together, that they touched at no one point but the knees, and, seen in front, resembled to sickles joined at the handles; his feet were immense, his hands monstrous; but with all this deformity, there was a formidable air of strength, agility, and courage, constituting a singular exception to the eternal rule, which ordains that force, as well as beauty, shall result from harmony." (pg. 39)
This paints a beautiful portrait of the misconceived appearance of the character Quasimodo, because it shows how truly all his deformities simple make him stronger and more humane, and foreshadows the extreme level of morality and human emotion the hunchback will exhibit later in the novel, despite his cruel mistreatment. Hugo weaves together the acceleration of the plot and the depiction of the characters eloquently, and proceeds to describe La Esmeralda with such eloquence, stating "She danced, whirled, turned 'round, on an old Persian carpet, carelessly spread on the pavement; and every time her radiant face passe before you as she turned, her large black eyes flashed lightning" (pg. 50). This depicts the issue of sexual allure in conflict to values later presented in the book such as the confliction of Frollo's lust with his faith to religion. Later, depsite a predominant description of Frollo being presented during the Festival of Fools, Hugo more elegantly describes him as Quasimodo's feelings and devotion towards with the passage occurring when Frollo discovers Quasimodo crowned as the Pope of Fools and leads him back to the cathedral,
"With one bound he was before the priest; he looked at him, and dropped upon his knees. The priest pulled off his tiara, broke his crosier, and tore his cope of tinsel. Quasimodo remained kneeling, bowed his head, and clasped his hands. Then ensued between them a strange dialogue of signs and gestures, for neither of them spoke; the priest, erect, irritated, threatened, imperious -- Quasimodo at his feet, humble, submissive, suppliant. And yet, it is certain that Quasimodo could have crushed the priest with his thumb"(page 58).
Hugo uses this moment to symbolize the strong emotional bond and mental connection that has been established between the hunchback and the archdeacon. The dialogue "it is certain that Quasimodo could have crushed the priest with his thumb" used by Hugo foreshadows what is soon to come; the destruction of the relationship and bond of loyalty, and ultimately, the downfall of Frollo by Quasimodo as a result of strong emotional turmoil. Overall, Hugo establishes character with great effectiveness, and uses this depiction of character, intermixed with dialogue in order to allude to the vast development and decay of both the characters and their relationships with one another to come later in the novel.
STUDENT B: The Scarlet Letter
Little Pearl
Pearl is the single most confusing thing in this novel. My first question is: is she a child or a demon? Hester refers to her as both, but she truly does seem to love her... at times. Question number two: Does Hester love her daughter or does she view her as some sort of never ending punishment sent by god? Once again Hester gives proof for both of these theories. This leads me to believe that it is a mix of the two. Pearl is a symbol, she vexes her mother more than most children did at the time, but her mother loves her and never leaves her cabin without Pearl at her side. In a way Pearl is the scarlet letter; a constant reminder of the sin she committed. But she is also more than that, she is Hester's reason for living, she gives Hester her strength without her she would be lost; "God gave me the child! He gave her in requital of all things else which ye had taken from me. She is my happiness! - She is my torture, none the less! Pearl keeps me here in life! Pearl punishes me too! See ye not, she is the scarlet letter, only capable of being loved, and so endowed with a millionfold the power of retribution for my sin? Ye shall not take her! I will die first!" When Hester claims that Pearl is the scarlet letter the only real difference being that she can be loved she is truly explaining what the girl is to her. She is not only a constant reminder of the sin committed, she is also a reminder of the reason for the sin. The love between Hester and Dimmesdale is constantly there, in the form of a little girl. Hester Prynne may be the main character in this novel, but Pearl is the most important component.
STUDENT C: The Hobbit
First Reading Response
Bilbo's Unique Archetypal Portrayal
Tolkien's design of Mr.Baggins heavily contrasts the perilous journey. Prior to his quest, Bilbo was a conservative, respectable and stubborn hobbit who lead a rich and comfortable life. These characteristics, as well as safety and a dull existence, are completely changed as the journey continues. Quotes like: "No hat, no stick, no pipe, not even a pocket handkerchief. How can one survive?" (Tolkien, The Hobbit 56) or "We hobbits are plain, quiet creatures. Adventures make one late for dinner." (The Hobbit, 29) fully describes Bilbo's priorities, which are nothing close to fighting dragons. However, this contrast that is created, adds to the human aspects of Tolkien's protagonist. Unlike his later works, The Lord Of the Rings series, invincibility does not exist. A heroic character that is relied on to play a very important role, which Bilbo does, having this many flaws, especially regarding his courage and physicality, adds to the empathetic excitement and allows the reader to become increasingly connected as Bilbo’s journey continues.
By classic definition, a hero is a man of great strength, valor and swordsmanship who fights evil even in the face of insurmountable odds to defend the lives of the innocent and those that can’t protect themselves."Not without a mighty warrior, even a hero... and here is our little Bilbo Baggins, the burglar." (The Hobbit 31) However, Bilbo’s strength is not measured by the might of his sword (though “sting” does prove to be a formidable ally,) the number of enemies he’s slain, or his ability to protect the innocent (in fact, Bilbo needs a great deal of protection himself.) Instead, Bilbo’s strength and heroism lay in his cunning intelligence & quick thinking, as well as his extreme loyalty.
A unique enjoyment comes to me when a character of such small physical stature overcomes many obstacles based solely on logical and emotional compensation; such as his encounter with Gollum. Being a small insignificant being, most “heroes” would not hesitate to destroy him, where as Bilbo, not being able to escape using his physical abilities, logically assess his chances of survival; by challenging Gollum to a contest. Through a competition of knowledge and reasoning, each person (Gollum and Bilbo) takes turns asking a question. The first one who can't come up with the right answer is the loser. Bilbo uses this contest to his advantage and agrees to Gollum's conditions wisely. Through logic and intelligence, our heroic hobbit is able to escape.
Overall, the portrayal Bilbo adheres to is quite a refreshing contrast, to not only the plot line of The Hobbit, but also to other heroic characters included in many other journey novels. Through his unique display of courage, Bilbo is able to overcome any and all obstacles in his path as well as fulfill his utmost potential and responsibilities. Even though his physicality opposes the classic archetype, Bilbo Baggins is a distinguished heroic character.
