Octavian+Q5


 * ​ Lastly, what is Octavian to do? Think about history (and what happens following the American Revolution). What is he to do? Use your knowledge from the books you have read (either book one or book one & two). Is Octavian stuck? Explain.

Mohamad's thoughts:** I say that Octavian should just forget about his goals since they would have never been accomplished during his lifetime. //I also agree that he is stuck in a predicament because no matter what path he choses he can never escape being a slave to the society he lives in.//

**Sandy's Thoughts**: I'd never imagine myself saying this but, I agree with Mohamad in that Octavian should just forget about his goals, because they would've never fulfilled his goals during those times. I, personally think that Octavian is stuck between what he wants to "carry out" his dreams and what he can do. Since in his time, he couldn't achieve his destination.

**Mr. T's Thought**s: I agree with you both. Octavian is in a tough spot. Whichever path he goes down he will be met by the unfortunate fate of history, slavery remains in America for some time following the events in the story. However, we must remember that we have an advantage over O. We have the privilege of hindsight, the knowledge of history. We know how this chapter in America's history ends, we know how long it takes for slavery to be abolished. O. does not know any of this, that is what makes his story even more tragic. But think about the character you have come to know, do you want a defeated character or one still hanging on to hope for change?

Maybe Octavian had reason for hope, what if he'd heard of the real life narrative The Interesting Narrative of the Life of Olaudah Equiano written by an ex-British slave? In the account Equiano describes his life, including how he eventually bought his freedom. The narrative helped expose the horrors of slavery and influenced British leaders to abolish slavery in the early 1800s (in England). Can any of you find any connections between M.T. Anderson's book and this real life narrative? I'll include a picture of Olaudah Equiano to help you out. (Click the link above to read the entire narrative -or- you can listen it here: The Interesting Narrative of the Life of Olaudah Equiano audio .)


 * David's Replies**: First of all, Mohamad, be a bit more elaborate about Octavian's decision about choosing his path of escapement to pursue his goals. And Sandy, what does Octavian wants to "carry out'. Explain that.


 * Mohamad's reply**:David I was just trying to say that there was no sense to carry on because he would have never been able to change anything on a level that he wanted to.


 * Frank thoughts:**I believe Octavian should continue his dream of being free and living by the river and being happy,because with hard-work,perseverance,and the will anything is POSSIBLE.

However, we know how this story in America's history ends. We know it will be tragic. And what about Octavian? This is an individual who's whole personal world has crumbled. The world he thought he knew was a lie. He was an experiment, his mother wasn't a princess, he has been beaten, he discovered he was property, he had a masked chained to his face with a metal bit in his mouth and shackles around his hands and feet. He is a criminal on the run in a land that is at war with signs of freedom or escape. So, there really IS reason for hopelessness. HOWEVER. Don't we want more for him. Weren't you crushed or sadden in the book when Octavian was silent and kept to himself. When he was running from place to place trying to find an end to his life. When he was captured and chained up? Do we as readers need happy endings? And would a happy ending help soften some of the tragic events of America's past? Or are we realist and demand tragedy and realism with soup and in our books?
 * Let's Take This Further**: I think we need to find a balance between the two camps of thought here. Maybe we can find a home for Octavian somewhere between hope and no hope. As you know, Octavian's situation isn't the brightest, in fact it is pretty bleak. Yet he is alive during a great time of change in history. This change can be seen in the form of scientific thought, as well as the American Revolution. The political landscape is changing around him and it is impossible for him to know what his world will be like in the coming years. So wouldn't a reader want to hold out hope for its story's main character?

Mohamad's thoughts: i say that a happy ending would mess the story entirely.think about it after all the stuff he's been through and then he gets a break from it,it would make it boring and I enjoyed those horrific parts of the book as well, it makes reading the book fun and I kind of thought it was a bit funny.


 * Sandy's thoughts**: No! A happy ending would mess up the entire book. It would be weird that after all the mistakes and challenges Octavian has been through, the book would end happy? I agree with Mohamad. The horrific parts of the book make it fun and exciting. :D

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