Who is your favorite character in the book so far/ which
character do you feel the strongest connection to?
So far, though I do love the main character, my favorite is
Uncle Willie. With his disabilities, he reminds me of my sister, who also has
disabilities and can’t walk. She is seven. One of the reasons that she reminds
me of Willie, is that she is always trying to be like everyone else. In one
scene in “I know why the caged bird sings”, Willie is working in the store as
usual, when some white kids walk in. He tries to act like he is completely
normal and can walk without a cane or any support. Because my sister is
different than her friends, she tries to pretend that she is totally normal as
well. When I read about Willie trying to conceal the fact that he was disabled,
I understood why he would want to, but it made me sad. Sometimes I feel the
same way with my sister, but then I remember, she may be disabled, but that
does not mean that she wants sympathy. I saw this connection with Willie as
well. He tried to act just like everyone else so that they would not find him
strange or in need of sympathy. He just wanted to be treated like everyone
else. In a way, I congratulate him for this it takes a lot of effort for
someone not to feel sorry for themselves and focus that attention on trying to
be a better person. If I were in that position, I’m not sure if I would be able
to do that. Anyways, in conclusion, I see many characteristics in Uncle Willie
that remind me of my sister, and that is why he has come to be my favorite
character.
Awesome job! I love how you made many connections between the character, Willie, and your sister. I could visualize how your sister and Willie are alike and their characters and how they act based on your descriptions. Everyone just wants to fit in and be like "everyone else", even when they have physical restrictions.
ReplyDeleteI think that is beautiful, Sophia! But I would like to add in a little opinion; I think you are absolutely right, but I believe that Willie and your sister have two very different situations, while Willie seemed as if he was trying to be accepted into society, while your sister seems to try and repel sympathy. Now, I don't know your sister, but beautiful connections and portraying of character!
ReplyDeleteThanks for such an honest and personal response, Sophia. Your empathy for people (fictional and oh-so-real) is profound.
ReplyDeleteI think your connection to your sister from the character in the book is really true! I think that people with disabilities or things about them that make them different just want to be treated like everyone else and not be given any special attention. Being different can make it harder to fit in but I think if you try hard and just be yourself, you will be accepted by others.
ReplyDeleteUncle Willie is also one of my favorites. This book is someone else's story, yet it shines light on things that readers themselves experience. Disabilities, how they deal with, and also attempt to cover their disabilities due to what someone else may say or think. I really appreciate you being able to relate your own sister's life to the book because it makes it a lot more relatable and easier to see.
ReplyDeleteThank You!