Class Evaluation: 1

1) In my opinion, the classic novel that had the most relevance...I don't know if I can really chose a single classic. Honestly, I loved all of them from The Bluest Eyes to Night, they were all excellent. I really enjoyed how each novel displayed so much truth and passion. I admire the authors who go beyond the "safe writing" boundaries and speak of controversial issues that need to be brought up: racism, homosexuality, The Holocaust, or even the simplest thing as self image. I would have to say that the classic novels we have read have really opened my eyes to these particular themes. Yes, i have seen programs on TV and have read some other novels in past English classes but i don't know, these programs did not make as much of an impact.

As for the graphic novels, I would have to say that my favorite was Blankets. Of course, i loved the theme of a typical, high school romance...but this one was not as typical. The way in which all the panels were drawn in an old fashioned black and white style along with a wispy deformation - like the path of snow in the wind. These characteristics and the love story combined make this graphic novel all the more powerful. Besides the love story, Thompson did a fantastic job to not allow the readers to get smacked in the face with another load of religious or self image type of controversy. I also enjoyed how the ending was not satisfactory. I personally believe that such an ending brings forth a perspective of truth towards the reader: each different stage of life will not have a happy ending. I don't know if you're a fan of the anime artist William Kentridge...but his style is much like Thompson's in Blankets; and like Thompson, in most of his works, Kentridge brings forth the difficulties between the black and white race of South Africa.