Blog Partner Discussion 4: Modern Fanstasy
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1. Your personal response to the book
2. Evaluate it in terms of its genre
3. Evaluate its literary quality
4. Evaluate its illustrations
5. Evaluate in terms of multicultural considerations including the credibility of the author and illustrator
Discuss for whom the book is intended and the ways in which it might be used in the classroom
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The Steadfast Tin Soilders was written by Hans Christian Andersen and was illustrated by Thomas Di Grazia. It was published in 1981 by Prentice Hall, Inc.
ReplyDeleteThe lack of colour in the illustrations makes the book unattractive for students to read. However @www.nytimes.com in an article published by by the new york Times entitled,The Dame Doesn't Wane, stated "Tonal variations, from rich velvety black through palest gray to stark white, engage the viewer's eye. If the artist's ''little boy'' recipient of the box of tin soldiers seems a trifle old for the part, it's a small quibble. Mr. Di Grazia has subtly managed to endow his real-life characters with Scandinavian looks, and the graphic touch of giving the one-legged tin soldier/hero a rakishly bent bayonet after his fall from an open window is quietly inspired. Overall, Mr. Di Grazia's rendition reflects a loving reading of the Andersen text." Based on this review this author has great admiration for the illustration done in this book. What is you view Icilda? I beleive that adults may appreciate the varying tone of this work of art but I don't beleive that children might be so appreciative. The use of colour in this book would have created vivid pictures for students to observe and would have motivated them to read this exciting book. The author wrote, "they all had the same bright red-and-blue uniform" however instead of highlighting these bright colours the reader is only able to view shades of black, grey and white.
ReplyDeleteThough the pictures are dull the drawings in the story would allow the reader to make relevant prediction about the story.
The story illustrates real life or plausible events. Lloyd Alexander (1968) stated, "I suppose you can define realism as fantasy pretending to be true and fantasy as reality pretending to be a dream." In this story the author shows us the experiences of a soilder who was made deformed. It highlights the challenges that he encounteredand the way he braverly stood up to these test without fear. It shows that though we might be challenged we can all be heroes if we stand firmly to our test.
Hans Chritian Andersen is a reknown author who has published vast amount of literary works. Information found at ttp://www.online-literature.com/hans_christian_andersen/Hans stated, "Christian Andersen (1805-1875), Danish author and poet, wrote many poems, plays, stories and travel essays, but is best known for his fairy tales of which there are over one hundred and fifty, published in numerous collections during his life and many still in print today" Though he was a Danish writer his stories do not confine to no one ethnic group as all from benefit or imagine situations in which individuals were like the steadfast tin soilders.
ReplyDeleteHey Cleo,
ReplyDeleteI definitely agree that the title appropriate. The word steadfast is a clear give away. The L.A. TEACHER can encourage students to use the title and the cover picture to make predictions.
It is indeed a great read for anyone of any culture. Heroism, courage and strengh are all qualities peo. from any culture display. Despite our cultural differences we all encounter adversities in our lives and this story shows us that we must remain steadfast.
The lack of colour certainly makes the book unattractive to read. Although valour is an esteemed quality, it is not easily persued. This lack of colour is a way to promote tenacity.If you are easily discouraged, then you may not want to continue reading. However, if you are steadfast you will read to the end.
Hi Cleo,
ReplyDeleteThis story would be good to teach children with physical challenge. Though the tin soldier had only one leg he was still determined to realize his dream. The story is a modern fantasy. The characters are plausible. We can understand the reason the one legged tin soldier was so determined.
Hans CHRISTIAN Andersen's language is very descriptive. He uses words to help his readers see and hear what he writes about.Note that at the end of the story the tin soldier was melted down into a lump and was later shaped into a little heart. WHAT is the writer's intention ? Is it that love never dieS?