Story+Essays

Story Essays Natalie Strong's Essay- Strong 1 Natalie Strong Mrs. Trout English 10 Honors 19 May 2010 Stories are Forever “People have forgotten how to tell a story. Stories don’t have a middle or an end anymore. They usually have a beginning that never stops beginning,” –Stephen Spielberg. Ken Kesey once said, “To hell with facts! We need stories!” I could not agree more with Mr. Kesey. Stories are extremely important to our society and culture because, they are all that we have to preserve the timeless magic of the past. Tales like these help us remember where we came from, and the importance of those who came before us. Also, stories often bring us together as a people, with their common morals, that everyone is somehow able to relate to. Reading //The Hunger Games//, by Suzanne Collins, served as yet another reminder why stories are so vital. Even though it is fiction //The Hunger Games// brings many issues we have in our lives to light. This books story is also worth telling because it reminds us to never forget how lucky we are to live as freely as we do. There are many reasons why stories are important to us, but possibly the most significant is that stories give us all something to believe in.

One of the reasons why stories are so important is that they are able to preserve the past in a way that nothing else can. Stories written in the past can educate our society about the way our ancestors lived their lives. Often, these stories are the only things we have to link us to the past, whether or not they are true. This is especially evident in stories actually written in the time period their story is about. We can learn things about history that we would have never figured out without the assistance of a great story. Tales like these also make it enjoyable to learn about the past because they have a fascinating plot. Without stories society would not be as advanced because we cannot really understand ourselves until we can understand our past. Another reason why stories are important to society is that they help us remember where we come from and the people that we owe our lives to. Our ancestors did not have pictures and videos to record their memories. They had to create stories to remember their lives by. The utter lack of technology often makes these accounts even more intriguing. We are able to imagine the way life would be hundreds or thousands of years ago. Without certain tales of the past, we would not know anything about those who came before us. Life would be somewhat of a mystery to us if certain stories were never told. Knowing about the people in our past can lead us to important revelations about our futures. Even if the story is not specifically related to us it can still teach us important lessons about how to live our lives.

Another significant role that stories play in our lives is that they are able to bring people together with morals and lessons that we can all relate to. A story is worthless without meaning which is why some of the most timeless stories have the deepest meanings. It is not common that a whole society is able to agree on an idea, but stories make us take the side of the main character and root for for them. Often a fictional character in a book can be one of the most loved people in a society, because they never let us down, and they stick to what they believe in. Stories often bring us back together in times when it seems like nothing else can. We all are reminded what is important in life, and that petty conflicts should not control who we are.

//The Hunger Games// represented all of the components that make a phenomenal story. In the book Katniss Everdeen finds herself in a tough situation, but with perseverance and a positive attitude she is able to overcome all of the obstacles she is put through. Katniss is an extremely relatable character that effortlessly embodies the traits of most readers. She is able to show how unbelievably strong she is but still remains human throughout the book, often giving in to her doubts. Her defiance towards the possibility of dying and her utter courage is a model for the way most readers would strive to live their lives. //The Hunger Games// brings up many themes that exist in our society today such as the government having too much control over its people, the prospect of having to go through life and its many complications alone, and standing up for what you believe is right. These simple and everlasting themes make us feel empowered to triumph as Katniss does, they are also the reason that this story is worth reading.

Another reason why //The Hunger Games// is worth reading is that it serves as a reminder of how lucky we are to live where we do. Panem is a war stricken nation that has been forcibly divided, a nation ruined by overbearing leaders. Our world has its problems, however none can even compare to the issues the impoverished people of Panem must face every day. One reason why Katniss is such an intriguing character is that she is able to rise up from destitution and make something of herself. In a competitive society like ours we are often quick to give up on our dreams, believing that they will never come true. //The Hunger Games// teaches us that even when life seems terrible it is always possible to turn it around. Times change and people come and go, but we can always count on stories to be a constant in our lives. Whether it is their enduring morals, preservation of history, or their ability to bring mankind together, stories are a gift that society should cherish. Stories such as //The Hunger Games// remind us of the enchantment a story can bring to life, helping us to understand ourselves better, and to realize how fortunate we are. When we are long gone stories will be what we are remembered by, not our material possessions. Without stories we are nothing.

Keilani Bonis Ericksen's Essay-

Keilani Bonis Ericksen Mrs. Trout English 10 Honors 21 May 2010 What Could Be Better Than A Good Story? Stories. We have heard and read so many of them since we were babies, yet have we ever wondered why we tell them? Stories let our minds soar into another world completely different from our own reality. They are one of the biggest sources of information teaching people about many things like their history and culture. Along with that, stories give people something they can relate to. They communicate important messages and teach us moral lessons that we can then use in our daily lives. Also, stories are just an enjoyable way to spend time, giving a captivating plot that you can choose to predict and analyze. I experienced all of this while reading __The Hunger Games__. Stories are a way to free our minds and take us away from reality, putting us in an entirely new world whether it is romantic, scary, or exciting. It is a way for us to forget about our worries and be intrigued in another person’s life, rather than our own. This is what a good book does; it takes someone away from their own problems and puts them in the shoes of another character and the obstacles they face. __The Hunger Games__ did an excellent job of this because it is set in a world completely different from our own with an exciting, suspenseful plot. It is important for a society to have stories and books because everyone in a society often needs a way to escape their problems and stories are an accessible and efficient way of achieving this. Stories can inform people about their history or background. Originally, before there was writing, stories about the history and myths of a society were told orally from generation to generation. Now that we have writing, we can learn about these stories in a written form. Myths which were created long ago were interesting ways of telling people about their history. Myths make people intrigued about their society and how it was created, even though they are often not true. For example: Greek myths are stories that were made about the Greek gods and goddesses long ago. They are some of the most well known myths that are still around today. These myths have acquired the interest of many people and have helped to get people fascinated about the country of Greece and the tragedies in the human condition. So, stories are a significant factor in drawing interest in a culture and learning its history, myths and beliefs. Many people often feel like they are alone in problems they face. However stories make people see that they are not alone and that they are not the only ones going through a painful situation. It helps people relate their problems to characters whose problems are either worse or similar to their own. These books and their morals may cause people to aim to fix the problem or situation they are in. Stories improve a community by giving them something they can relate to in order for them to address their problems in a civilized way. Stories are one of the biggest sources of information. People can learn about things and different places that they would otherwise not be able to learn about. There are stories about anything imaginable. For example: the Life of Pi puts one in a boat in the middle of the ocean with a Bengal tiger. This is an outrageous situation, yet one is able to experience it through the story. Also, in Night, Elie Wiesel recounts his experience of going through the Holocaust. By reading how Elie’s life was affected and how he suffered from this awful experience it can make one really learn and better understand the Holocaust and how it affected so many people. It is important for people to learn about the Holocaust through tragic stories so that something like this will never be repeated. Stories like this are a way of influencing a reader so that they will always remember Holocaust. Sometimes it doesn’t work to just tell someone to stand up for themselves. Rather, telling a story about a girl who tries to rebel against an unjust government and succeeds, might have a better effect on a person. __The Hunger Games__ was an exciting, suspenseful novel that follows an interesting plot. The message isn’t given directly, but it is communicated through the actions of the main characters and events that take place in the story. The author told the message to stick up for yourself when Katniss and Peeta both attempt to kill themselves after the capitol informed them that only one of them can win the games. Katniss and Peeta have almost killed themselves with the berries and stopped when the speaker tells them that they are both the winners of the Hunger Games. The action of Katniss and Peeta almost killing themselves is a form of rebellion against the capitol demonstrating that not everyone has to obey the capitol’s rules. The capitol wanted them to fight until they were alone and the only ones left, but Katniss and Peeta rebelled by showing the audience that they would rather die and have no one than to be alone, like the capitol was forcing them to do. Stories are an effective way to communicate messages to large groups of people, like one of the messages of this book: to stand up for what is right. __The Hunger Games__ was worth telling because it gives the reader important messages communicated through the author that they can learn from while also enjoying themselves when reading the exciting, attention-grabbing story. __The Hunger Games__ is worth telling just because it is an enjoyable captivating story. The story is written so that the reader is able to relate to Katniss and her many troubles and obstacles she faces. In this book the reader identifies with Katniss as she has to survive in the wild and fight against other tributes. It is an intriguing story that one wouldn’t be able to experience in reality, so it makes it even more exciting. If a story is extremely enjoyable and captivating to a reader, which The Hunger Games certainly is, then it is a story definitely worth telling.

Stories like The Hunger Games achieve many of the goals of good story- telling. They provide readers with a new situation or perspective entirely different from what they are used to. They communicate important messages that can be applied to a reader’s life. They allow readers to relate their problems to the main characters’ problems. Most of all, stories such as the Hunger Games allow a reader to simply sit back and enjoy the ride of a good, intriguing story.

Kristina Millar Ms Trout English 10 Honors 21 May 2010 Stories Bring People Together and Make the World a Better Place “And they lived happily ever after,” is a line from almost every fairy tale and children’s story ever told. It’s used to sum up everything that’s occurred and to assure the reader everything turns out well. Even after reading countless stories with the same line it never loses its calming effect. Stories are told for many reasons. Whether it’s to reassure and console, pass on knowledge, or excite into action, stories have become an integral part of our society. In __The Hunger Games__, by Suzanne Collins, the story of Katniss Everdean unfolds: the story of a young girl living in poverty under a tyrannical government. Katniss volunteers to compete, in her little sister’s place, in a competition held yearly called the Hunger Games. These games consist of a fight to the death between 24 teenagers, a boy and girl from each of the 12 districts under the Capitol’s control. Katniss teaches the reader to persevere and be strong. She shows her strength in adversity and fights against the government that threatens to consume everything she loves. The savageness of human nature is also revealed in this story. The Capitol enjoyed watching the tributes fight to the death in the arena. __The Hunger Games__ is a story worth telling because Katniss demonstrates kindness, courage to stand up for what right, and that people can overcome savage situation through intelligence and trust.

The most striking quotes in __The Hunger Games__, was a line by Katniss. She questions how anyone could find enjoyment through watching children kill each other in the most brutal ways possible. Upon reading this I was almost forced to turn on myself and close the book, because doesn’t enjoying the novel make me just as bad as the people from the capitol who enjoy watching the blood bath televised live? I tried to justify it to myself saying it would be different in real life, but I was engrossed with the tragic tale which unfolded as I read. The truth is almost everyone has a morbid curiosity in other people’s struggles and pain. I think Suzanne Collins, the author, wanted her readers to understand that everyone has a savage nature. She wanted people to understand how easy it would be to be sucked into this type of society where fear and anger rule.

Katniss, the main character has a strong and brave personality. She knows no other life besides one of constant fear and hunger. Katniss hunts to keep her family afloat after her father was killed in a mining accident. Her mother sunk into depression and did nothing to help, Katniss was forced to learn everything herself and become strong. And strong she became, so strong she’s locked herself away from others. This strength kept her alive in a world so set on seeing her die. I love Katniss because she continues to fight until the very end and never listens to anyone who tells her she can’t succeed. She turns others’ scorn and disapproval into fuel for her perseverance. I think Suzanne Collins wants to excite people to strive for a better world and not to just be content with what we’re given. To most citizens in District 12, being chosen for the hunger games was a death sentence, but Katniss decided to use it as a chance to revolt against the Capitol and the injustice presented her. I respect Katniss immensely for this. It’s so easy to become discouraged and so much simpler to give in; but the satisfaction of persevering and ending up victorious is indescribable. I think Suzanne Collins wants the readers to understand the satisfaction of even a small victory in the face of a seemingly unconquerable enemy.

Just like many other stories throughout time, __The Hunger Games__, addresses the issue of government. The Capitol controls the twelve outlying districts with fear. The Capitol keeps most of these districts impoverished so they don’t have the resources to revolt. Most of the citizens resign themselves to this treatment but Katniss refuses to settle for such injustice. Instead of violent out bursts or throwing tantrums, Katniss sneakily and subtly finds ways to revolt. After volunteering for the Hunger Games Katniss tries in every way possible to foil the Game Makers strategies and show she still cares for people. When Rue died, instead of leaving to let the hover craft collect Rue’s body, Katniss collected beautiful flowers to ring about her. This was a small way of defying the game makers. Katniss showed them she truly cared for Rue. Rue wasn’t merely a pawn in their game, and neither was Katniss. Perhaps the ultimate victory was the final victory. She delivers a fatal blow to the Capitol’s and Game Maker’s egos when Katniss convinced Peeta to commit the double suicide that leads to a double victory instead. This attack couldn’t be kept from the public because it impacted the entire results of the games. Just like the founding fathers Katniss has a dream of a better place and is willing to put herself into danger to make it happen. She strives to unite the districts against the Capitol and hates each person in the Capitol who is responsible for the desolation she deals with back home.

Many stories contain important morals or lessons for everyday life. It’s often easier to relate to a character in a story than to a definition. For example in the children’s story __The Ugly Duckling__, the Ugly Duckling is bullied by the other ducklings. The poor Ugly Duckling is hurt by their cruel taunts to the point where he flees to be alone. I think almost every child who reads this story, or has it read to them, can understand this pain. Even without realizing it, the child may subconsciously decide bullying is wrong because it hurts others before they even really understand what bullying is. As a high school student I have received many talks about how bullying is wrong and heard many stories related to this topic; however, __The Ugly Duckling__, a child’s novel, is the only story that lingers in the back of my mind. Another lesson from __The Ugly Duckling__ is that of patience. At first the Ugly Duckling was sad that he was ugly and felt he belonged nowhere, but soon grew to be a beautiful swan. This serves as a reminder that things will always look up and never as bad as they first seem, it may just take some time to improve. When I feel down I can hear the Ugly Duckling reminding me to never give up.

Stories are how we learn and relate to each other. People who share similar stories get along well, and those who don’t, share their stories so others can learn from others’ experiences. What’s more interesting really: an instructions manual or a novel? I don’t know about you, but when I try to read instructions or educational textbooks my mind tends to wander and it takes quite a few attempts to absorb any knowledge. However, I can remember every character, scene, and many minor details from the last novel I read. To put it simply, novels are an entertaining way to learn of new people, situations, and cultures. I read a book not so long ago about a girl who was the same age as me only she lived half way around the world in the deserts of Saudi-Arabia. I followed her story as she lost her first love and was forced to marry a man thirty years her senior for the good of her family. At first I found it hard to relate to a girl who seemed to have nothing in common with me. Then I noticed little details, like how she loved new clothes, thought there was nothing better than swimming, and her love of animals, that brought us together. I soon found myself walking beside her as she ventured into the dessert to find water and felt the pain of her brothers’ death as if he were my own brother. I learned of the differences in our cultures. There were many things I disagreed with, but some I appreciated. Unlike in textbooks, I learned from the eyes of a native the pros and cons of this culture.

Books have an amazing ability to grab their readers’ attention and allow them to escape their lives momentarily. I think many authors write stories to uplift their readers and allow them a reprieve from their monotonic daily life. I love stories, especially well written stories, because I can slip inside the heroine and be someone else for a little while. I can be a beautiful princess with grace and poise, or a great athlete winning an important race, or a young girl experiencing her first love. It’s kind of nice to have a place to go to escape the little stresses and irritations of my life. If I was an author I would want to create a story that would grab people’s attention to the point where they don’t want to put the book down and would simply enjoy reading it. Stories where I can relate to the main character are the best because it’s easier to slip into their personification. Books aren’t as good when I don’t understand the emotions of the main character. In __Night__ by Elie Wiesel, I couldn’t connect with Elie at all. All these horrible experiences happened to him and he expressed his pain in beautiful poetic phrases, however, I felt no attachment to him so I couldn’t feel sadness or hate. I understood the situation perfectly but it was surreal and impersonal. Conversely the novel __The Book Thief__, by Marcus Zusak, brought me to tears. The characters in the story were figments of Zusak’s imagination, they never really existed in real life; however, the emotions expressed by a young Liesel Meminger were a great deal more real than those expressed by the living Elie Wiesel. When Liesel found the bodies of her friends and family after the airplane raid destroyed her entire town, I was standing right there with her holding onto each loved one and feeling the tremendous loss that came with each new discovery. I couldn’t tear my attention from the story, it consumed my consciousness. The spell began to wear off as I finished the final chapters but I can still recall that chilling loss the story caused in me. Books like these surpass all others because they leave the reader with emotions they may not have experienced before. Even though the story was extremely depressing I felt happy and oddly satisfied after reading it. I enjoyed the plot and grew to love people I had never met before and will never meet. I think that’s the best part of stories.

Stories have been told for centuries; even before writing, stories were passed down orally. History, lessons, knowledge, and fun accompany each story; which is why they have remained important to this day. Stories have the amazing ability to change someone’s perspective. They can calm a crying child, or bring a grown man to tears. There is nothing as wonderful as a book that broadens horizons and brings happiness in its wake. __The Hunger Games__ was an amazing novel because it shows the depth of human nature and hopefully teaches the reader a bit about themselves. Like a window, this book allowed me to peek into a world where people were starving, children were fighting to the death, and a young girl was still worried over love and friendships. I hope people will continue to enjoy stories and learn from their timeless messages.