Bibliography for Apologia (only one source cited)

Works Cited

The Canadian Encyclopedia. Nino Ricci, 2008. Web. 17 Nov. 2009.

Personal Reflection

During this ISU, I feel that I became a lot more conscientious of proof reading and editing my work. I also feel that I have become a more effective reader, looking deeper into what the author is trying to say. I feel that I accomplished this through writing the Apologia and the Explication, they allowed me to challenge myself and actually read for meaning and insight rather than just to finish the book. The ISU also made me appreciate Canadian authors a lot more, after reading this book I am excited to start reading more by the author and more work by Canadian authors in general. It is also interesting that this book has educated me on what a lot of people go through at certain points in their life; uncertainty, confusion and so fourth – but if you want it to it will always work out in the end. You just have to be strong. As for writing for a larger audience, it did not change me as much as I thought it might. I just stayed focused and tried to write the best I could – as I always do. Throughout the entire writing and reading process of this ISU I found that I learn the best by reading and re-reading sections of the book to understand, I also found that reading my work out loud was very beneficial to creating quality work in the end. Ultimately, this assignment has helped me grow as a student, an intellectual and amazingly enough – as a person.

(word count: 278)

Explication (Polti's Second Dramatic Situation - Deliverance)

I chose the Second Dramatic situation because when I read the book I felt Alex was leading an unfortunate kind of life until the end of the book – when he found deliverance. The Dramatic Situation specifies an Unfortunate, a Threatener and a Rescuer - however in this book I believe that there are multiple Threateners and Rescuers. The main character Alex, whose life is less than rewarding, takes the primary role of the Unfortunate.

One of the biggest threateners in Alex's life is the breakup with his ex-girlfriend. "Alex had more or less admitted from the outset that it was his breakup with Liz that had driven him here…" (21) the breakup led Alex to seek therapy and caused him to have malfunctioning relationships with other women. Throughout the book, Alex feels that the breakup with his ex is hanging over his head, causing him to slip into depression and question his stability as a person. The therapy sessions that Alex must attend are also seen as a threatener. "Twelve minutes, asshole, Alex thought, though he also thought, you're damn right I don't want to talk…" (20) he resents going to them, when he is in the sessions his mind is elsewhere, and the Doctor who is 'helping' him, Alex feels is not helping him at all, in fact he may be adding to his problems. The other big threatener is Alex's thesis. Alex is under a ton of stress in regards to his PHd, always working on it but feeling like he is getting no where. Alex's thesis makes him feel worthless, he contemplates quitting everything constantly because of it. In this book, it seems as though Alex's life can be heading no where but the gutter. However, I would not have chosen Dramatic Situation Two if I felt Alex did not have rescuers, and ultimately – deliverance.

Rescuers are found throughout the novel. Strategically placed in order to give Alex motivation to carry on. Without these rescuers Alex would be a lost cause, and the novel would be an extremely different story. As one of Alex's threateners is established near the beginning of the book there is also a rescuer in order to create a balance. Alex meets Esther and is somewhat reluctant to go for a coffee with her because he has work to do, however he agrees to go. "Alex felt himself blushing…What force had sent her suddenly hurtling across his path?" (10), Esther turns out to be the biggest rescuer Alex has in the book. She is always motivating him to do his thesis, presenting different ways to work on it. Esther is always there for Alex to provide advice, and a safe place to talk when he is in need of some help. It appears that Esther knows what is best for Alex, and he always listens to her. Its an interesting relationship between Alex and Esther – she has a serious disease and needs help – so Alex is always there to be the helping hand for her. It could be the fact that Alex can actually help someone else and be a positive part of her life that makes Esther a rescuer.

The other rescuer is an odd one; Alex's newly acquired friend just midway in the novel – Steven. This relationship is peculiar. Steven is Alex's friend, however Alex uses him not as a model of what to do properly, but what not to do. In short, Alex does not want to be a father like Steven is, separated from his mother, spending close to no time with his son and fighting rigorously for that time. Alex finds motivation from Steven near the end of the book and that leads him to his deliverance in the end.

Alex finds deliverance through his son that lives half way around the world. From his countless talks with Esther and his motivation found from Steven, he realized that he does have a purpose in life. His purpose, he realized – through the help of his rescuers – is to go to his son and be a father. Alex is truly delivered from an unfortunate soul to a proud happy father by the end of this book. There is one line that I feel truly captures the feeling of Alex's deliverance (and it mentions his primary rescuer as well) "He kissed Esther's Hand, then slipped quietly through the door and into his life." (472).

(word count: 738)

Apologia

The book the Origin of Species should be considered a great contribution to Canadian Literature for a few reasons. Nino Ricci (the author) was born and raised in Canada, and attended prominent Canadian Universities for his studies. Not only that, but he was raised by two parents who immigrated here from Italy, so Ricci alone is going to draw in readers outside of Canada. The book represents Canadian themes and settings while relating to other cultures as well. This author, and this book, are essential contributions to Canadian literature because of their ability to capture the cultural mosaic we have in Canada, and to have readers of many different nationalities appreciate the work.

Nino Ricci has been praised for his writing style in this book. "The Governor General's Award jury praised the novel for its ‘great humanity, realism and wit.’" ("The Canadian Encyclopedia"). Ricci captures a classic Canadian male persona in his protagonist character Alex. This character is essentially a description of a typical personality of a thirty something male in Canada, this is a man who really does not know anything but appears as though he does. His thoughts are jumbled and love life is extremely convoluted and coarse.

The settings in this book are quite vivid, and most of them are in Canada. The main setting is Montreal, which immediately shows Canada’s spectrum of culture. We have a multi-cultural country, and this is displayed with prominence in the book. One of Alex’s jobs is to tutor French citizens of Quebec in English; this is a display of our diversity right away. Another example is the city itself - Montreal - this city shows the immediate second, prominent culture in Canada - French. Ricci is proud of our countries ability to encompass many cultures. In the book some of Alex’s closest friends are foreign immigrants from Salvador. In fact, Alex himself is Italian. The other setting that is spoken of in Canada is Toronto. These two main Canadian locations are very clear representations of the point Ricci is communicating to the reader - the fact that Canada is all –encompassing (with the French speakers at home, as well as all of the immigrants). Looking away from our own country there are many other locations in the globe found within the book. The settings go as far as the Galapagos and Sweden, actually Alex travels all over Europe. What’s particularly interesting about this is that Alex acts as an ambassador for Canada, while visiting these other countries. He is always polite when in another country, trying his best to speak their language, and being considerate to the locals. Alex says while traveling in the book that being Canadian abroad is actually very helpful. What Ricci is doing by displaying this is showing how Canada interacts with other countries and cultures outside of our borders. This book has the underlying tone of being a clear representative of Canadian qualities and ideals, which are being good while abroad and having the notorious reputation for being kind, polite people.

This book has many qualities, not only Canadian, which I mentioned above in regards to the settings in the book. This book will appeal to so many cultures because of its diversity of cultures within the book, for the fact that it allows the reader to see him or herself in the book. If this book were to be read, in England, it would be appreciated for, of course the incredible writing, but also the inclusion of something English within the book (there is in fact at one point a main character who is an English prof.). Because this book will be so widely read due to its diversity and its incredible writing (believable characters, amazing plot development ect) by a Canadian author, people will begin to see this as a main representation of Canadian literature.

What Ricci has done here is actually quite incredible. He has managed to write a book based in Canada, but at the same time write a story that envelops almost the entire globe. From an author born and raised in Canada by two Italian immigrants, he has managed to create a piece of literature that is sure to be remembered for its in depth but subtle analysis of Canada (as a cultural mosaic), people and the world.

(word count: 720)

Welcome to my Blog!

Welcome to my blog, consisting of what I would like to call clear, concise and detailed insight into the book the Origin of Species by Nino Ricci. There will be a few journals on subjects that I found the most important or interesting in the book, and you will also be able to read about my thoughts on the book and hopefully gain a greater knowledge of it. Later on there will be some postings that are slightly more formal (explication & apologia) however they will still be centered around my thoughts. Through my in-depth analyses, I hope to enlighten the reader about this truly incredible piece of modern Canadian literature.

Links List

1. Nino Ricci’s official website. (http://www.ninoricci.com)
-Includes information about the awards he has won
-Biographical information
-Information about his other works

2. The CBC news article about Nino Ricci winning the Governor General’s Literary Award. (http://www.cbc.ca/arts/books/story/2008/11/18/gg-literary-awards.html)

3. A BBC article about the historical figure Charles Darwin. (http://www.bbc.co.uk/history/historic_figures/darwin_charles.shtml

4. The official site of the Galapagos Conservation Trust.(the Galapagos is an integral setting and takes up almost 200 pages of the book without a break) (http://www.gct.org/intro.html)
-The site includes:
-Geographical information
-Plant life and animal life
-Information about the historic visit paid by Charles Darwin

5. A review of the book from More Magazine. (http://www.more.ca/attitude/arts-and-culture/nino-ricci-s-origin-of-species/a/1919)

6. A secondary biographical resource for Nino Ricci, presented by the Canadian Encyclopedia. (http://www.thecanadianencyclopedia.com/index.cfm?PgNm=TCE&Params=A1ARTA0010866)

7. A transcript of an interview with Nino Ricci. (http://www.suite101.com/article.cfm/canadian_literature/30045)
-(another interview, in video form: http://www.metacafe.com/watch/2246750/interview_with_nino_ricci_governor_general_award_winning_autho

8. The official website of the Governor’s General Award (http://www.canadacouncil.ca/writing/)
-the award Nino Ricci’s book the Origin of Species received

9. The city of Montreal is the main city in the novel, in which Alex lives. Here is the official website (http://ville.montreal.qc.ca/portal/page?_pageid=5977,40491560&_dad=portal&_schema=PORTAL)

10. An article about Canadian Literature and some information about it’s main components. (http://www.artandpopularculture.com/Canadian_literature)

Journal #4 (The Last Line)

“Outside, he knew, the city still lay stretched, just an instant’s remove from the wildness through space at untenable speeds. He kissed Esther’s hand, then slipped quietly through the door and into his life.” (472). This is the last paragraph in the Origin of Species. When I was nearing the end of the book, I was beginning to struggle through it. Until I read the last few lines. Unlike a lot of books, the last paragraph in this one was clarifying and helpful in understanding the concept of the book in its entirety. When I read the last line of the book “slipped quietly through the door and into his life.” (472) I instantly understood the book more than I did even a mere few pages ago. What this line, and this paragraph did for me was help me realize the use of Esther’s character in the story of Alex’s life.

I began to think of the possibilities of Esther’s character in relation to Alex’s life. I came up with a couple options.

1. Esther is a physical manifestation of Alex’s conscience in the difficult time of his life.
2. Esther is Alex’s guardian angel.

1.Looking at the first option, I believe that Esther and Alex have a very deep connection. I realized this when I read the last paragraph. Essentially what happened is Alex was freed. He was let free of his conscience with Esther’s passing. No longer would he worry about what other people thought of him, or what his life was like, just the fact that he is who he is, and he is okay with that now. Without Esther’s character Alex never would have realized this in himself, he never would have gone to live with his son in the end, and he would live the same unhappy life, day after day. Esther helped him realize himself, what he truly wanted, and in the end – set him free.

2.Esther protected Alex. Not from harm of others, or terrible life threatening misdoings but she protected him from himself, from his thoughts of his life, and how it was going. Was it normal? Was it ok to live like this? Esther protected him from thinking that it was not ok to live his life. In the end, it was because of Esther that Alex moved on from his insecurities, and pursued his son and the life he truly wanted.

It’s crazy how much that one line clarified an entire part of the book for me, an essential part of the book. Usually the ending of books is a nice, simple conclusion to the story, but this one really gave me something to think about (what I mentioned above), and it seriously contributed to the story’s integrity.

Journal #3 (God WILL exist?)

When I read this quote (below) I was captivated by it. So there was no way I could not do an entry solely about it. So this entry is about the following quote:

“Note: The end point of evolution, if there was one, would be the perfect creature: contradictory impulses resolved, no thoughts, no needs, no rage; able to see through rocks; to survive without eating; to change things by force of will. To live forever. It would be exactly what it had displaced. It would be God.”

I found this quote very interesting, because when I read it I thought, yes it is inevitable that the end point of evolution will resemble its creator. That every time we think of God, every fact, every truth, every faith that is held so dearly and sacred will one day become the merest superstition.

It occurred to me, that it is the inevitability of the end that ultimately prevents us from reaching it, whether we are talking about a race of people, or just a single human being. The means that will prevent anyone from reaching the end is fear; fear of change, or fear of actually becoming a better person.

This idea is represented in the end of the book, however in a lesser format, Alex will not be gaining godly powers, but in proportion he will be reaching the “God” within himself. He comes to this realization that everything is actually ok in the very end of the book.

It’s in this regard that Alex ties into this realization of mine. Throughout the book, Alex is struggling to reach his full capacity. Perhaps he is scared to reach his full potential, to achieve what the world knows he can accomplish. Which for Alex would be becoming a father (a good one) and doing what he loves and making a difference (teaching). Alex’s evolution, although on an exponentially smaller scale (than the one I quoted), is comparative to that of the example found within the quote. Alex does have a full capacity of his existence; he has reached maybe a quarter of it. Alex is afraid of what he may decide to do if/when he does reach his full potential – or the end of his evolutionary scale, because he is so comfortable where he is in life. Perhaps he realizes this in the end and that is what we see in the end of the book – Alex reaching his full potential, at the end of his evolutionary scale. It took him forever to reach this point, but it was worth it, because what he learned along the way is now invaluable to him. He learned that it’s ok to be himself, that there are always going to be bumps, or in his case mountains along the way. In the end though, things will be ok, but only if you want them to be. And that, is what Alex realized, and that is what set him free.

Journal #2 (The theme, and Alex)

I chose to write my second post about Alex and the theme together, because I have found that you cannot talk about one, without the other.

In this book I see the theme of self-discovery emerging, revolving solely around the main character, Alex. The struggles he goes through and all of the situations he encounters reveal more about his personality to himself, and to me as the reader. Alex is in his 30s and is kind of lost. He has ideas and inklings of who he thinks he is and what he wants to do, but every time he tries he feels as though he isn’t good enough or that he should just quit, because what’s the point? Alex has a few major things going on in his scattered life. All of these separate plot lines intersect through the life of Alex. He has a could-be-but-is not family in Sweden, a crazy ex-girlfriend who he thinks he may still love and be destined for, a Doctor who he feels he has nothing to talk to about but he must see 3 times a week, a friend with M.S., who is in love with him and who he may also be in love with and a PhD that he wants to finish but doesn’t know why he started in the first place. All of these situations are ongoing in the novel, in past, present and future.

Alex knows that if he moves to Sweden to be with his child and the women of his dreams (Ingrid), it would be best. But should he leave? He may be in love with more than one woman in Montreal. The fact is Alex has yet to grow up even though he is thirty. He is afraid to commit so he creates situations in his mind to keep himself from doing just that. “Maybe I would be a horrible father” Alex says to himself at one point. This is something he subconsciously knows is untrue, but he creates this false sense of degrading security to stay put where he is, where he feels safe from making further mistakes, but perhaps his biggest mistake is not leaving. Alex needs a state of commitment, a woman who loves him and a child to look after.

Esther is a friend of Alex’s, with Multiple Sclerosis. Alex helps her every day, taking her to the gym to do her swimming with her, visiting at the hospital, and becoming close with her family. Esther talks about Alex constantly with her family. He thinks to himself, that he cannot love her because she has a disease. All Esther wants is for Alex to love her, literally and emotionally. Alex loves spending time with Esther, he loves caring for her. I think that is what Alex needs, someone to care for. This is what he finds in Esther, a seemingly independent woman while in public, but truly one who needs help around the clock, Alex likes to be that person.

I get a lot of insight into the character Alex through his meetings with Dr.Klein. A psychologist Alex sees on a weekly basis. Alex consciously avoids the most important situations when he has his sessions with the doctor. This tells me that Alex is severely insecure, or maybe he just feels he has no use in being there and it truly is none of his business because Alex clearly understands the meaning of his own convoluted life.

The thing that troubles Alex most in his life is what he claims to hold most dearly, his academia and his doctrine. Alex constantly questions himself in his academic validity; he will finish a thesis and then throw it out. He will think of an idea, not write it down, and curse himself later for not doing so. He procrastinates to an extent that makes me think, what is the point of doing this? Oddly enough, this is what he is passionate about. His ideas are intriguing, says his professor, but underdeveloped. Whenever something goes wrong in Alex’s life he turns to school. It is his anchor, his safe place. Whether or not he will continue with it I am unsure. It seems to be leading to the fact that he will finish his PhD and write a brilliant book.

I find this character so appealing because he represents the true normality and yet screwed up individual. To me he represents any person who has problems with where they want to go in life. Alex has trouble deciding what to do, where to go, and how he has to do it. He gets stressed out from work, he procrastinates and yet his life is not bad. He has women, a job, and a family. Alex goes through so much in the story that seems so unfair, so unjust. While reading you hope, that everything will work out for him. That his life will evolve into everything he wants it to be (which is a huge concept in the book, and a metaphor/allusion found within the title and subtle hints to Darwin within the book and the character of Alex). I predict that by the end of the book, Alex will begin to figure his life out, his proper direction and ultimately his final stage of evolution; in thought, emotions and maturity.

I would like to take one more paragraph to elaborate on a metaphor I briefly mentioned in the last paragraph. The title of the book “The Origin of Species” is in fact the title of the famous book written by Charles Darwin. The concept of evolution is brought out by that title and reference to Darwin in the book in regards to Alex’s character and his inevitable growth as a human being. I think this metaphor/allusion truly captures the theme of this book, the theme of self-discovery, or evolution of character.

I am currently entering a section in the book about Alex’s trip to the Galapagos when he was about twenty. I think that there will be a lot of questions answered, and new questions presented about the theme and of the character Alex. I look forward to reading it.

Journal #1 (The Style of Ricci)

I’ve almost reached the halfway point in my novel. The book is broken up into three sections. So far, I am enjoying it. Ninno Ricci’s style of writing is so appealing. The way the plot is developed is very interesting. The author gives me constant insight into the main characters (Alex) life, and this allows me as the reader to become more involved in the character and truly understand him. Within most chapters Ricci will go back in time into Alex’s life in order to explain the present events, and foreshadow future events. Although this style may at times be confusing it is ultimately rewarding for the reader to gain so much insight into the character the author has created.

Another thing Ricci has done is create many different story lines that revolve around Alex and his ideals. When the book started this confused me, as I would get involved in one story line, just to be pushed on to the next. After being introduced to a few stories, Ricci starts merging all of them around a central idea (the theme) of the book and the evolution of the character.

At first, I thought I would begrudgingly finish this book to complete a project, but at this point in the novel I am truly involved and eager to finish. Nino Ricci’s writing style is amazing, and I love it.