Senior Literary – Page 40 – Literary Arts Blogspace

A New Perspective on Writing Topics

What are all the places on the body you can wear a ring?

The question may seem completely random, which it is. The statement is simply an interesting question I formulated brought from the simple topic, rings. If I were given the topic “rings,” I would have no idea where to begin with in general, however after reading this article, I’ve approached the topic with a completely different mindset. I’ve personally found great success so far in the process. This is a perfect example to deliver for my suggestion of a great read for all writers, as well as students who have a difficult time with figuring out the perfect attention catching sentence.

The article, “How to Write Interesting Content for a ‘Boring’ Topic,” written by Pratik Dholakiya is a phenomenal and interesting read that shakes the concept of a such thing as a “boring topic”. Based on the initial read of the title, I expected a somewhat to do list fashioned article; however, it was nothing of my expectations. Dholakiya states that a topic is not the issue of building a good read, it is the use of the “right questions” being used to make the content interesting.

In my opinion, I believe the article is very beneficial, especially for me being a writing student who deal with writing essays every week. It becomes very frustrating searching for the perfect sentence to begin a work, and even though this article focuses on “titles for blogging and article writing”, I believe it is beneficial to all writing. As I said previously, this would be very beneficial for all students.

Prati Dholakiya did a wonderful job with providing the information in an interesting manner while also remaining on topic. He in no way drifts from the purpose of the article itself, which is more than likely a bonus for readers who enjoy a writer being blunt and straight to the point. He brings forth great topics and explains each of his points as well as providing facts of data behind his suggestions from recent views of other topics that may be seen as uninteresting or extremely vague.

The article is not to be mistaken as a step by step guide to what to do when there is a feeling of being stuck with content the writer does not find interesting, so if the reader is looking to find a step by step guide then they will be disappointed. Dholakiya simply gives off clearly suggestions and advice to improve the view point of a topic. The article also shows places the writer in the eyes of a reader approaching a work of a writer, and the things that people normally pay attention to being things relating to themselves.

If I was forced to bring forth any negative comments, it would only be that I wish there were more examples brought from the author. However, in the writing world, wanting more from a passage is commonly when in the right context, a very good thing.

To read this work click here.

Lord of the Flies

Lord of the Flies is a book that is a perfect example of pure taboo. No parent wants to have the thought that their kids are dead or stranded on an island with no supervision of a guardian or adult. In the book about twenty-five twelve year old boys from Britain ended up on an island because of a plane crash. The book features main characters such as: Jack, Ralph, Simon, Piggy, Roger, Sam, Eric, etc.

The book is a perfect example of society. Ralph is the character that shows respect to people and respects order. He represents the government of society, could be looked at as a controlling person. He made sure that all of the little ones in the tribe who were six and up would get food. He was respected by most in the tribe. Piggy could represent a secretary. He was the brains of the tribe and the right hand man of Ralph. He was bullied by others because he was different and because of his weight, asthma, and inability to do physical activity. I personally look at Simon as someone who is just a citizen. He’s the guy who stays back and is affected by everything that happens. Simon is quiet and observes. He values his time alone and doesn’t try to bother anybody. Sam and Eric can represent businesses that are controlled by the government. Sam and Eric are twin brothers that always finish each other’s sentences or speak at the same time who is in charge of keeping the fire ablaze. They do what they are told by Ralph.

Jack could represent an anarchist. He does not respect what Ralph is doing on the island and he wants to be free, hunt, and take power over the island. Jack is an alpha and a leader. Roger represents the court. In society, many people dread court, even hate court. Court can be completely unfair and gives out punishments. In the book, Roger is a bully that likes to give unfair punishments to other people.

I love this book because it has so many different ways that it could represent. It has some aspects of religion in it, it represents society, it is all a book that can relate to taboo. It can also be looked at as a dog eat dog world kind of thing. In the book, it’s Jack versus Ralph. The government versus the anarchist. Jack does not stop causing trouble. Jack wants to be in control. This book could represent something like a social experiment. If you put a group of kids on an island who have to fend for them self and have absolutely no parental supervision.

I highly recommend this book. It can give the reader a whole different look on society or maybe a whole different perspective from me. It can give the reader a roller coaster of emotions. Lord of the Flies may be one of the best books I have ever read and I highly recommend people to read it.

Halo: The Fall of Reach

Halo: The Fall of Reach by Eric Nylund is the first novel in the extended universe of Microsoft’s Halo series. It takes place in the distant future, in an era of space colonization. Within the novel, Nylund paints the stories of UNSC (United Nations Space Command) soldiers in their first confrontations with an alien race known as the covenant that is out to destroy mankind. In their first message to humankind, the covenant claim to have been sent by God to destroy mankind for a better cause. The title of the novel itself is a nod to the central conflict as Reach is the name of the planet on which much of the story takes place. The planet Reach was invaded by the covenant in an attempt to eradicate mankind that sparks an interstellar war. John, a young boy at the time of the confrontations, was one of hundreds of children removed from their home worlds and trained for years to participate in the UNSC’s top secret Spartan program. Spartans, as they were called, are genetically enhanced humans with abilities and strength comparable to those of superheroes. John, number 117 of the spartans, is the protagonist of the series, known as Master Chief by most within the universe.

Nylund is a well-respected science-fiction writer in today’s era. This is likely due to his ability to captivate audiences of all walks of life through expansion of a popular fictional universe. Though the novel follows a group of soldiers, conflicts often stem from a more complex, underlying moral issue (removal of children from their homes for the sake of genetic experimentation) rather than the typical strategy-oriented story on war tactics. When wartime circumstances arise, Nylund provides an excellent look into the minds of his characters and thoroughly explains situations military strategy in a way that civilians can understand. Often, changes in font type are used to represent codes sent between commanding offices as well as transmissions from the covenant. Subtle changes such as these add a certain element of realism to such an outlandish universe by emphasizing important details.

Characters within the story, regardless of how small their roles may be, are given all the depth and emotional reaction of real humans, making it easier to be fully immersed in the conflicts introduced. Nylund captures humanlike characteristics perfectly and thus provides a sharper contrast between human soldiers, genetically mutated spartans, and the barbaric nature of the covenant. Because of their purpose in the war effort, spartans are trained to neglect and repress their emotions through physical labor, thus causing moral dilemmas in the spartans themselves as well as their trainers. Human soldiers are portrayed as feeling much more anxiety about the seemingly inevitable end of humanity as a whole as they see alien fleets glassing whole planets from outer space. Spartans, as their name suggests, are a small, but surprisingly powerful group of individuals, willing to defy seemingly unbeatable odds.

Halo: The Fall of Reach and other books within the series are typically accessible through outlets such as Barnes and Noble and Walmart for as little as $4.00 each, making them a favorite among fans of the Halo franchise.