The novel I chose to read for the AP English research project was Fight Club by Chuck Palahniuk. While I do realize it was not on any of the provided lists of critically acclaimed novels, I believe it has had a major impact of literature and society. The novel is often ranked among notable existential novels and has created a significant following among its readers. The novel criticizes aspect present in the lives of everyone living in this society and era. For such reasons, I believe this novel has made a significant contribution to literature.
In our consumerist society, it is easy to lose oneself in the values established by the media. The novel criticizes the importance of materialism in our lives by stating, “...you're not how much money you've got in the bank. You're not your job. You're not your family, and you're not who you tell yourself.... You're not your name.... You're not your problems.... You're not your age.... You are not your hopes.” ~Chuck Palahniuk, Fight Club, Chapter 18. The novel causes one to question one’s true self when what is defined by our ego is disregarded. If it seems incredibly hard to describe oneself without the description of one’s past or one’s surroundings, it shows how attached we are to our ego.
I would recommend the novel to anyone and I think it would be a great choice to be read in an AP English class because of its contemporary value. As seniors, many of us are overwhelmingly concerned with what college we will attend, which will allow us to get the job we want, which will ensure we have enough money to buy things we really don’t need. Its always good to pause and question our goals and whether our plans will end in material wealth or happiness.
~Vanessa S :D
~Vanessa S :D
This novel seems very interesting because it contains valuable references to the society we live in. I think most of the time, we look for a job that will provide us wealth or a comfortable living, but what we really have to look for a profession that we will enjoy and look forward to attending.
ReplyDeleteCynthia Navarro
Although I haven't read the book, just from viewing the movie I can easily see how this novel should be considered for literary merit. It also has to deal with the issue of conformity. At the end of the story, everyone begins to look, talk, and act the same. Is that really how we want to live our lives? I'm sure thats a big point the author attempts to make
ReplyDeleteThis novel seems to be one that is very insightful into the human nature as well as self-reflective. It is with reluctance that I say that humans are very much absorbed with their egos. Although I would rather not admit it, I have definitely let my ego lead my judgement at least a few times. However, realizing that ego is an impediment to further understanding ourselves is the first step in full realization, in my opinion, and that what lies at the end of this path is recognizing what exactly we need to do in order to attain happiness in our lives.
ReplyDeleteByron C.
Byron... I think you grasped the point of the novel exactly. I find it amazing how great literature can cause one to be self-reflective and even view the world in a different light!
ReplyDeleteVanessa S.
Hello Vanessa, thanks for the recommendation! I've been thinking about reading a book over the summer so I could spend time doing something actually productive to my mind. It'll be a great way to determine and reset goals before I go to college and lose my values I've obtained in high school.
ReplyDeleteChloe K.
Life is simply defined by the impact one creates with it. Materialism has nothing to do with the foundation unto which one judges the quaility or redeeming factors of one's existence.
ReplyDelete