Some Vocabulary:
I found my definitions on www.dictionary.com
japa malas(Gilbert,1): Japa mala is a string of beads to assit Hindus and Buddhists in staying focused during prayer. It is used by holding the string of beads in one hand and with the other hand, touches one bead at a time. The beads are symbolic for each time a mantra is said. Mantra is to be 108 times, and there are 108 beads. The 109th bead is to remind not to forget to thank your teachers. [I thought that was pretty cool. This is where other european religions got the idea of a rosary.]
Ambivalent (Gilbert, 11): Uncertain or unable to decide about what course to follow
I haven't gotten as far as really thinking about the emotional appeals yet so I will come back to that.
I think the most significant quote so far is:
"In the end, what I have come to belive about God is simple. It' like this--I used to have this really great dog. She came from the pound. She was a mixture of about ten different breeds, but seemed to have inherited the finest features of them all. She was brown. When people asked 'What kind of dog is that?' I would always give the same answer: 'She's a brown dog.' Similarily, when the question is raised, "What kind of God do you believe in?' my answer is easy: 'I belive in a magnificent God." (Gilbert 14)
The significance of this quote is that her whole quest involves rediscovering the aspects of her faith. Gilbert talks about how she does't want to offend anyone by using the letters G-O-D, in that order. She knows of a superior being, but she does not say it is necessarily Jesus Christ, Buddah, Jehovah, Allah, Shiva Braham, Vishnu or Zeus.
The theme of this memoir is how to rediscover yorself and just make sure that your emotional and spiritual ducks are in a row. :)
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4 comments:
Very nice overview Caitlin. You really seem to have all of your thought ducks in a row. Anyway, the book definitely sounds intriguing, I can't wait to hear more about it.
Yeah it really sounds interesting and I was just reading the quote about her dog and it's unique to say the least. I mean I'm glad you picked it but it's a mind boggler and it definitely makes me think about whether I'm with one side or the other with that quote and good job on the overview, very nice.
hey caitlin!
I am reading this book as my memoir too, which is funny! How are you liking it so far? I'm really enjoying it personally...it's funny and a really good story! I liked the quote you chose; I agree that Elizabeth's thoughts on religion are definitely significant and very interesting and unique. Your analysis was really well done!
I was thinking about reading this book for the book report but I chose The Liars Club instead. It sounds really good though. I'll have to read it!
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