Yup.ACSian/Scout/NJCian/Debater/Student at Uni of Birmingham/UNA—all rolled into one.
Links:
The ACS OBA Website
Anglo Chinese School (Independent)
University of Birmingham
Institute of Defence and Strategic Studies(now S. Rajaratnam School of International Studies)
United Nations Association Birmingham University
United Nations Youth & Student Association UK
ACS (I) Scout Troop WebsiteThe Debate Association (Singapore)
The Singapore Scout Association
Living Waters Methodist Church
International Baptist Church (Singapore)
"Of all the gin joints in all the towns in all the world, she walks into mine"--Rick Blaine, Casablanca
"Some men see things as they are and say why; I dream things that never were and say why not"--George Benard Shaw
Ecclesiastes 3:1: "There is a time for everything, and a season for every activity under heaven:"
Philippians 3:14: "I press on towards the goal to win the prize for which God has called me heavenwards in Christ Jesus"
Isaiah 40:31: "But those who hope in the Lord will renew their strength.They will soar on wing like eagles; they will run and not grow weary, they will walk and not be faint"
Isaiah 2:4: He will judge between the nations and will settle disputes for many peoples. They will beat their swords into ploughshares and their spears into hooks. Nation will not take up sword against nation, nor will they train for war anymore."
About Me
The writer is currently an Undergraduate at the University of Birmingham, UK. He wishes to espouse an amalgamation of entries and thoughts in this site with the aim not just to entertain but to provoke discussion, especially on his write ups on social issues and current affairs. Apart from heavily engaging in this activity, he enjoys a wide range dramas and musicals, especially those that carry insightful messages. He is also a self proclaimed music critic, a history buff and most recently a novelist and a scriptwriter. He holds a strong interest in the workings of macro-economics, particularly international trade policies and international development, Post-Modernism/Post-Structuralism as well as International Political Economy. Any discussion with regards his write ups or interests is most appreciated. Do kindly use the Guestbook function located below, leaving some means of contact. Alternatively, click on the “contact me” function above.
My favourite entries are marked with an asterisk *.
Other Sites:
Autolycus
Wee Jian
Hendri
Debbie
Nicholas
Terence
Jennifer
Rachel
Mr. Loh
Charles
Kelvin
Jin Yang
Rebecca
Ivan
Min Zhi
|
|
Literature and life
2003-07-05 6:21 p.m.
Revising through my Literature texts, I suddenly discovered how some of the characters in them actually reflect me and other people I have met in my life. The larger issues also present what one has been going through life.
For Sylvia Plath's Ariel, the persona in most poems are female, so it would be difficult to associate with them. However, on a closer look, the poem "Totem" is a perfect description of life. The images of the engine killing the track and the aborted hare is typical of her grotesque images. However, it seems to show the negative side of life and all its failings. Plath writes," Let us eat it [the hare] like Plato's afterbirth", indicating that we should approach life with an aim to get closer to the truth. This may seem too philosophical; however we should consider this each step of the way. Plath also writes about "a counterfeit snake", stating that we should not be fooled by things that are fake. Life "unfolds like a suit" and at each step of the way. We discover situations that we treasure, events that we abhor. To Plath, "in truth it is terrible, multiplied in the eyes of the flies." are we ever trapped with the truth? Do we ever see events that are horrible? Of course, however, no matter how we try to avoid them, we always fall victim to temptations. This poem is atypical of Plath's other poems, but it is one of the few Plath's poems I associate with.
How about Ishiguro's "an Artist of the floating World"? The protagonist, Masuji Ono, has a life almost like mine. His fall from grace is akin to some incident of mine (best not mentioned), and his fight for survival and recognition in the new age is what most people have to go through. I however, do not constantly drift back and find refuge in the past. I seek to accept what ever comes my way and make the best of it. Something like Gisaburo.
As for Pinter's "The Caretaker", the break down of communication between Aston and Davies is parallel to my relationship with some individuals. Again names best not to be mentioned. The lack of communication also signifies how little I know of some nice people.
That's it for Paper 3. As for Paper 1, I once told Chih Hung that Stephen Blackpool is in most ways like me. He strives for a better life but gets more torture and disappointment at every corner. Of course, there were points in my life with significant achievements, but there were many downfalls. Unlike him, I do not seek refuge in anyone's face, least of all Louisa.Louisa Tan. (Chih Hung be quiet). Besides, Blackpool is one of the more realistic characters of Dickens. The rest seem to represent extreme characteristics of human beings.
As for Antony and Cleopatra, there seem to be numerous people who are like Menas and Pompey. Those who are like Menas are easy to idenitfy due to their actions and words. We should be careful of those like Pompey. They are never truthful to their word. I am akin to Octavius Caesar. His stoicism and loyalty are aspects which I try to adhere to. On the other hand, I am not ruthless or cold hearted like him.
I once told Ms Champagne that I was like Silas Mariner except that I don't weave loom or hoard gold.
Then again, Lucas said I am like a hobbit. No comment. Which character from a Literature or Science fiction text do you follow after? Luke Skywalker? Harry Potter? Or Brutus?
