This Blog is reserved for students enrolled in RDG 589 spring 2009 4PM class. It will provide the opportunity to discuss and interact with members within small groups a, b, c and d in response to assigned readings.
Monday, March 2, 2009
The Arrival Book Review for Cyberlesson
Please post your Arrival Book Review on this blog.
Shaun Tan's The Arrival hit home because all of my grandparents entered the United States through Ellis Island. My family came from Eastern Europe, Russia and my grandparents never talked about their experiences.
When I looked at the picture of the room that resembled the registry room at Ellis Island, I could feel the distress of the immigrants. Perhaps, the sepia pictures and the wierd writing contributed to that feeling. It gave me an understanding of how the immigrants felt while they waited their turn to be processed. Then they needed to be poked and prodded by a variety of doctors and clerks in order to be accepted into the country. Each picture frame that Shaun Tan drew, depicted the confusion and uncertainty in the face of the man. Through his pictures, one can feel the emotion.
The Arrival addresses the plight of all immigrants, no matter where they are from. Upon entering a new land, they are faced with the same problems: an incomprehensible language, unfamiliar buildings and surroundings, and the strange flora and fauna. They all need to find a place to live and a job. Imagine how the man felt when he hung the posters upside down, because he didn't understand the language.
However, the man was befriended by several people. They each told him their stories. These segments were drawn even darker than the other pictures and had dark frames around them. Thus indicating the oppression or deplorable conditions that existed in their homelands. Even though they had different stories, the theme was similar: they had to leave because of political, religious or other negative conditions.
Another theme that was apparent in the story centers around these friends. They shared a meal with the man and gave him a gift, making him feel more welcome. At the end of the story, the man's daughter helps a young woman find her way. Perhaps there is a community among the immigrants in order to help each other survive in a new land.
The Arrival is a moving story without words. Shaun Tan's pictures are so detailed that the story flows and is very emotional. I now have a new understanding and appreciation of the feelings and the experiences of the immigrants which could be felt as I read the book.
Shaun Tan’s graphic novel The Arrival is a touching story of immigration. He takes you on a journey of the process of an immigrant. As there are no words one feels the story through the lovely, yet unusual illustrations. It took me more than one look at the story to get the meaning between the pages. There are so many illustrations, some realistic, some surreal, that I needed to look and look again to fully engage in the story. The illustrations are “wonderfully strange”, as Brian Selznick, author of The Invention of Hugo Cabret stated in his review. That is how I felt as I read this story. The images of the cities and animals felt out of this world and one can just imagine how the immigrant must have felt. Was this place so far out? I can’t imagine the feelings one must have experienced, except to have read this story. I am grateful to have been a part of this journey as I now have a better understanding of immigration and have been touched emotionally through Tan’s images.
I just finished writing in my journal about The Arrival and looking at Shaun Tan's website, and listening to the radio interview. One of the things that I thought was really interesting was how the 4th graders on the radio interview totally understood the book and the symbolism behind it. I had written about how the "surreal" pictures were things that were unfamiliar to the immigrant, and how it felt for him to see all these things, however I had never picked up on the monsters at the beginning. For some reason, it never crossed my mind that the only surreal photos in the immigrants "home" land, were the monsters, and that it can be depicted to show something bad. The 4th graders talked about how they wondered if that meant that there was war, or disease going around in that country, which was why the immigrant was choosing to leave and go start a new life for his family. It was such a great thought, and I love hearing about it from students! Another thing that I really thought was interesting was how much books and T.V. helped shape Shaun Tan's writing now. He talks about how his mother had read to him a lot, and he had a variety of books around to be inspired by. I also feel that people's childhood experience with reading and writing contribute to the readers and writers they become today. Lastly, it was interesting to read that Shaun Tan feels like he is constantly editing and revising, and putting things together. I like how he writes things, draws things, and plays with where they go, how to re-do them, and how to make them better.
The Arrival takes you on a journey into a new world. The reader follows an immigrant as he leaves a place he is familiar with and discovers a whole new world. The Arrival is a picture book that illustrates the immigrant’s adventures. Shaun Tan’s illustrations clearly show the reader how the immigrant feels as he leaves his home, wife, and child. You can also view how confusing it was for the immigrant to enter a new world. The immigrant must learn how to survive in a world where he struggles to communicate with those around him. The first time I read through this story, I was confused by most of the things happening. I did not understand why there were such strange animals throughout the story and I couldn’t comprehend the written language in the pictures. Upon further insight, I realized that this was a way for the reader to connect with the story. Even though I have never been to a foreign country, I was able to comprehend how the immigrant might have felt. I could empathize with the immigrant’s confusion as I read through the beginning of The Arrival. Throughout the story, you are able to see the immigrant grow more confident in his new surroundings as he meets new friends, finds a job, and earns money. Shaun Tan did a fascinating job of illustrating the journey of an immigrant. The Arrival can be used to illustrate any immigrant’s journey because there are no written words to place you in one particular place. Shaun Tan lets the reader go on a journey with the immigrant to learn how to survive in a new world.
It was an interesting experience reading The Arrival and trying to understand what Shaun Tan was trying to convey to the reader through this story. There are many connections to the past and Ellis Island, but I think that the futuristic and surreal images also remind us that immigration still happens today, and it is something that will happen long into the future. Although there were parts that we discussed as a group when we worked on the book in class that we were unsure of, I think the over arcing human story is something that everyone understood. As a reader you really could connect and feel the mans frustration as he tried to navigate his new surroundings and his triumphs as he mastered new tasks and eventually was able to have his family join him. I have spent a great deal of time working on making text connections with my class this year. I'm going to make some copies of some of the pictures in the stories and ask my students to explain what is happening and to connect to the picture. I think that they would all be successful in this task, as the Shaun Tan made the human emotion so realistic in his illustrations that even if you're unsure of what is happening in the story you understand the emotions connected to that piece of the story. I don't have much experience with wordless text. I enjoyed being able to go through and explore some of the options of "reading" a wordless text, and how it could work in my own classroom. I also think that this was a great depiction of the immigrant experience, that many people can relate to even if they've never been in that situation themselves.
Although Shaun Tan's graphic novel was devoid of words,or more to the point, because of this fact,the story was a "roller coaster" of emotions for me. This fascinating graphic novel evokes much pathos with its sepia tones, and frequent'dark'moods created by its gifted author/illustrator. Since I am a second generation holocaust survivor, with both my parents having survived the Concentration Camps, this story stirred many emotions within me as the plot unfolded. My initial reaction was one of confusion, as I tried to make sense of the real and surreal elements of this imaginative tale. However, I came to realize soon enough that this story was one of the quintessential immigrant, and the trials and tribulations of all that encompasses the act of leaving one's homeland and entering into a foreign and frightening land accomplished through symbolic whimsical representations. The story draws you in and takes you along with the immigrant on his journey as if you too are experiencing all the emotions that he does. It is truly sad to watch him leave his family, and embark on this journey alone, with high hopes for a better life for his family in the future. His feelings of fearfulness, confusion,loneliness and isolation are palpable and this theme can be found throughout this fantastical adventure. He must learn a new language, use new currency, navigate new territory, and find work in a place where everything around him is strange and unfamiliar. The reader is made well aware that the state of affairs in his homeland were such that he had no choice but to make the courageous decision to leave. Fortunately, he is befriended by people along the way who have also 'walked his walk' and are very kind to help him adjust and become acclamated to his new and sometimes terrifying surroundings. This story, with its artistic imagery, clearly depicts the daunting experience that any immigrant encounters in some form, when they decide to make the challenging transition from homeland to a foreign destination. It is a trying experience,but one that is well worth the effort.
After completing the Before Reading and During Reading activities, I had a lot of time to reflect on all of the messages that Shaun Tan was trying to convey in this book. The first time I read it, I was very confused about some of the pictures. I didn't understand the meaning of the reptilian shapes, the strange language and animals, and the modes of transportation such as the hot air balloon and the time machine. After rereading this book multiple times, and really putting a lot of thought into the theme of this book, I was able to see the deeper meaning.
I loved listening to the radio interview because I thought it was interesting that a fourth grade class read and completed activities with this book. I teach fourth grade and I decided after reading this book that I would share it with my students since we just finished our Ellis Island Unit. I thought it was fascinating that many people did not believe that fourth graders could handle this wordless book, and I like how the fourth grade teacher decided to try it out and had a lot of success. I was amazed at how the students were able to make the connection between monsters and all of the scary things that immigrants faced along their journey to a strange new world.
I like how the sepia-toned pictures really lend themselves to being evocative and mysterious, and this book can be interpreted in so many different ways. I also thought it was interesting that Shaun Tan mentioned how his father was an immigrant to Australia and that really sparked the ideas and sketches for this book. I agree with Tiffany about how neat it is that he is constantly editing and revising because being an author really takes patience and constant rewriting which is something I am always trying to convey to my students!
A Review by Stefanie Mosher Shaun Tan’s The Arrival truly displays the power of pencil. In this powerful graphic novel, the reader is greeted by a man whose life changes in a matter of pages. Tan begins this journey amongst a quaint family and moves to send this man through a series of alien experiences. Perhaps in search of a land with new opportunities, this man encounters a strange world with people, places, and things completely foreign to him. The detailed illustrations of this book capture the elements of emotion and reality necessary for the reader to endure the feelings this immigrant, or any immigrant, has undergone. Finally, this book is unique and finds a special place in one’s heart; no matter what age. Shaun Tan has created an untouchable masterpiece for all to enjoy.
Arrival Book Review by Phyllis Hameroff
ReplyDeleteShaun Tan's The Arrival hit home because all of my grandparents entered the United States through Ellis Island. My family came from Eastern Europe, Russia and my grandparents never talked about their experiences.
When I looked at the picture of the room that resembled the registry room at Ellis Island, I could feel the distress of the immigrants. Perhaps, the sepia pictures and the wierd writing contributed to that feeling. It gave me an understanding of how the immigrants felt while they waited their turn to be processed. Then they needed to be poked and prodded by a variety of doctors and clerks in order to be accepted into the country. Each picture frame that Shaun Tan drew, depicted the confusion and uncertainty in the face of the man. Through his pictures, one can feel the emotion.
The Arrival addresses the plight of all immigrants, no matter where they are from. Upon entering a new land, they are faced with the same problems: an incomprehensible language, unfamiliar buildings and surroundings, and the strange flora and fauna.
They all need to find a place to live and a job. Imagine how the man felt when he hung the posters upside down, because he didn't understand the language.
However, the man was befriended by several people. They each told him their stories. These segments were drawn even darker than the other pictures and had dark frames around them. Thus indicating the oppression or deplorable conditions that existed in their homelands. Even though they had different stories, the theme was similar: they had to leave because of political, religious or other negative conditions.
Another theme that was apparent in the story centers around these friends. They shared a meal with the man and gave him a gift, making him feel more welcome. At the end of the story, the man's daughter helps a young woman find her way. Perhaps there is a community among the immigrants in order to help each other survive in a new land.
The Arrival is a moving story without words.
Shaun Tan's pictures are so detailed that the story flows and is very emotional. I now have a new understanding and appreciation of the feelings and the experiences of the immigrants which could be felt as I read the book.
Shaun Tan’s graphic novel The Arrival is a touching story of immigration. He takes you on a journey of the process of an immigrant. As there are no words one feels the story through the lovely, yet unusual illustrations. It took me more than one look at the story to get the meaning between the pages. There are so many illustrations, some realistic, some surreal, that I needed to look and look again to fully engage in the story. The illustrations are “wonderfully strange”, as Brian Selznick, author of The Invention of Hugo Cabret stated in his review. That is how I felt as I read this story. The images of the cities and animals felt out of this world and one can just imagine how the immigrant must have felt. Was this place so far out? I can’t imagine the feelings one must have experienced, except to have read this story. I am grateful to have been a part of this journey as I now have a better understanding of immigration and have been touched emotionally through Tan’s images.
ReplyDeleteI just finished writing in my journal about The Arrival and looking at Shaun Tan's website, and listening to the radio interview. One of the things that I thought was really interesting was how the 4th graders on the radio interview totally understood the book and the symbolism behind it. I had written about how the "surreal" pictures were things that were unfamiliar to the immigrant, and how it felt for him to see all these things, however I had never picked up on the monsters at the beginning. For some reason, it never crossed my mind that the only surreal photos in the immigrants "home" land, were the monsters, and that it can be depicted to show something bad. The 4th graders talked about how they wondered if that meant that there was war, or disease going around in that country, which was why the immigrant was choosing to leave and go start a new life for his family. It was such a great thought, and I love hearing about it from students!
ReplyDeleteAnother thing that I really thought was interesting was how much books and T.V. helped shape Shaun Tan's writing now. He talks about how his mother had read to him a lot, and he had a variety of books around to be inspired by. I also feel that people's childhood experience with reading and writing contribute to the readers and writers they become today.
Lastly, it was interesting to read that Shaun Tan feels like he is constantly editing and revising, and putting things together. I like how he writes things, draws things, and plays with where they go, how to re-do them, and how to make them better.
The Arrival takes you on a journey into a new world. The reader follows an immigrant as he leaves a place he is familiar with and discovers a whole new world. The Arrival is a picture book that illustrates the immigrant’s adventures. Shaun Tan’s illustrations clearly show the reader how the immigrant feels as he leaves his home, wife, and child. You can also view how confusing it was for the immigrant to enter a new world. The immigrant must learn how to survive in a world where he struggles to communicate with those around him. The first time I read through this story, I was confused by most of the things happening. I did not understand why there were such strange animals throughout the story and I couldn’t comprehend the written language in the pictures. Upon further insight, I realized that this was a way for the reader to connect with the story. Even though I have never been to a foreign country, I was able to comprehend how the immigrant might have felt. I could empathize with the immigrant’s confusion as I read through the beginning of The Arrival. Throughout the story, you are able to see the immigrant grow more confident in his new surroundings as he meets new friends, finds a job, and earns money. Shaun Tan did a fascinating job of illustrating the journey of an immigrant. The Arrival can be used to illustrate any immigrant’s journey because there are no written words to place you in one particular place. Shaun Tan lets the reader go on a journey with the immigrant to learn how to survive in a new world.
ReplyDeleteIt was an interesting experience reading The Arrival and trying to understand what Shaun Tan was trying to convey to the reader through this story. There are many connections to the past and Ellis Island, but I think that the futuristic and surreal images also remind us that immigration still happens today, and it is something that will happen long into the future. Although there were parts that we discussed as a group when we worked on the book in class that we were unsure of, I think the over arcing human story is something that everyone understood. As a reader you really could connect and feel the mans frustration as he tried to navigate his new surroundings and his triumphs as he mastered new tasks and eventually was able to have his family join him.
ReplyDeleteI have spent a great deal of time working on making text connections with my class this year. I'm going to make some copies of some of the pictures in the stories and ask my students to explain what is happening and to connect to the picture. I think that they would all be successful in this task, as the Shaun Tan made the human emotion so realistic in his illustrations that even if you're unsure of what is happening in the story you understand the emotions connected to that piece of the story.
I don't have much experience with wordless text. I enjoyed being able to go through and explore some of the options of "reading" a wordless text, and how it could work in my own classroom. I also think that this was a great depiction of the immigrant experience, that many people can relate to even if they've never been in that situation themselves.
Although Shaun Tan's graphic novel was devoid of words,or more to the point, because of this fact,the story was a "roller coaster" of emotions for me. This fascinating graphic novel evokes much pathos with its sepia tones, and frequent'dark'moods created by its gifted author/illustrator. Since I am a second generation holocaust survivor, with both my parents having survived the Concentration Camps, this story stirred many emotions within me as the plot unfolded. My initial reaction was one of confusion, as I tried to make sense of the real and surreal elements of this imaginative tale. However, I came to realize soon enough that this story was one of the quintessential immigrant, and the trials and tribulations of all that encompasses the act of leaving one's homeland and entering into a foreign and frightening land accomplished through symbolic whimsical representations. The story draws you in and takes you along with the immigrant on his journey as if you too are experiencing all the emotions that he does. It is truly sad to watch him leave his family, and embark on this journey alone, with high hopes for a better life for his family in the future. His feelings of fearfulness, confusion,loneliness and isolation are palpable and this theme can be found throughout this fantastical adventure. He must learn a new language, use new currency, navigate new territory, and find work in a place where everything around him is strange and unfamiliar.
ReplyDeleteThe reader is made well aware that the state of affairs in his homeland were such that he had no choice but to make the courageous decision to leave. Fortunately, he is befriended by people along the way who have also 'walked his walk' and are very kind to help him adjust and become acclamated to his new and sometimes terrifying surroundings.
This story, with its artistic imagery, clearly depicts the daunting experience that any immigrant encounters in some form, when they decide to make the challenging transition from homeland to a foreign destination. It is a trying experience,but one that is well worth the effort.
After completing the Before Reading and During Reading activities, I had a lot of time to reflect on all of the messages that Shaun Tan was trying to convey in this book. The first time I read it, I was very confused about some of the pictures. I didn't understand the meaning of the reptilian shapes, the strange language and animals, and the modes of transportation such as the hot air balloon and the time machine. After rereading this book multiple times, and really putting a lot of thought into the theme of this book, I was able to see the deeper meaning.
ReplyDeleteI loved listening to the radio interview because I thought it was interesting that a fourth grade class read and completed activities with this book. I teach fourth grade and I decided after reading this book that I would share it with my students since we just finished our Ellis Island Unit. I thought it was fascinating that many people did not believe that fourth graders could handle this wordless book, and I like how the fourth grade teacher decided to try it out and had a lot of success. I was amazed at how the students were able to make the connection between monsters and all of the scary things that immigrants faced along their journey to a strange new world.
I like how the sepia-toned pictures really lend themselves to being evocative and mysterious, and this book can be interpreted in so many different ways. I also thought it was interesting that Shaun Tan mentioned how his father was an immigrant to Australia and that really sparked the ideas and sketches for this book. I agree with Tiffany about how neat it is that he is constantly editing and revising because being an author really takes patience and constant rewriting which is something I am always trying to convey to my students!
A Review by Stefanie Mosher
ReplyDeleteShaun Tan’s The Arrival truly displays the power of pencil. In this powerful graphic novel, the reader is greeted by a man whose life changes in a matter of pages. Tan begins this journey amongst a quaint family and moves to send this man through a series of alien experiences. Perhaps in search of a land with new opportunities, this man encounters a strange world with people, places, and things completely foreign to him. The detailed illustrations of this book capture the elements of emotion and reality necessary for the reader to endure the feelings this immigrant, or any immigrant, has undergone. Finally, this book is unique and finds a special place in one’s heart; no matter what age. Shaun Tan has created an untouchable masterpiece for all to enjoy.