Purpose for Imaginative Literature
15 years ago
Tuesday, February 23, 2010
The Moorchild: A dedication to all children.
The Moorchild is dedicated to all children who have ever felt different. I didn't really think too much of that dedication until I completed the book. I think the dedication is another way of saying that the book is dedicated to all children. I feel that every child- and adult- has felt different at some point in their lives. I know I've experienced the feeling both in childhood and as a young adult. Then and now, I'm grateful for my support system of family and friends who are always there when difficult thoughts or problems arise. We discussed in class today the arguments that McGraw made in this book about growing up female and without parents, and compared Saaski with Pippi Longstock. Pippi had a support system in her life- she had Tommy, Annika, and her animals. I feel that Saaski did not grow up feeling like she did not have a support system for most of the book. This changes toward the end. When it is discovered by the villagers that Saaski is a changeling, they want to throw her into a fire. Her "father" Yanno tells her that "they will not lay a hand on her", and promises to protect her. I think that Saaski feels comfort from this act of protection and love, and comes to the realization that having parents or people in your life who protect you and care for you is so important. I also feel that is why she takes enormous risks to return a stolen human baby to its real parents - who raised her. She knows how loved that child will be and how important that love is to have; and also realizes that she belongs back home, among others like her. Though she didn't have the best childhood and was taunted and teased often, she did experience affection and care, and had to follow some rules set before her. I think that all of that will not be forgotten as she goes back to life on the Mound and will shape her as she matures in a positive manner.
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I think you are right in Saaski would never have thought or cared enough to return the Yanno and Anwara's true daughter to them had she not experienced the power of love. Saaski was able to appreciate community from her "parents" and came to value the strength of their attachments to her. It is strange to think about how it must have felt for Yanno and Anwara to have to break ties with Saaski, troublesome though she was, and rebond with a new daughter.
ReplyDeleteI agree with your point about it being dedicated to "all children." While the underlying message in this book seems to point to prejudices, it is definitely not limited to that. We can draw many instances in our own lives that we have felt "different," not necessarily discriminated. Even just going through puberty is a time when most of us feel this way. While we all have our moments, the one universally binding feeling that can be shared by all is love and I got that message from The Moorchild as well.
ReplyDeleteAll Saaski's emotions were raw and unknown, therefore she had to grow into them and learn what they meant and how they felt over time. Although in the end she is still quite unsure about what these feelings actually mean, she nonetheless begins to gain a basic understanding of what they might stand for. Despite her somewhat strict upbringing, she knows that Anwara and Yanno cared for her and would not let anyone in the village harm her, and this feeling she felt must be love. That is why she felt obligated to repay them for the kindness and loyalty they showed to her by giving them back their child.
ReplyDeleteI agree that this was dedicated to all children. I think everyone has felt different. For some it's at school and for others it may be at home. Regardless, I think the longing of wanting to belong is part of being a child. We must grow up and become individuals.
ReplyDeleteI agree with this post. Everybody has gone through some sort of trouble in their life. Saaski might have went through more but I do believe it is necessary in shaping her personality. When she finally fits in it will be because of her earlier experiences. Most of us can relate to some of this story.
ReplyDeleteI also agree with your thoughts. I found it reassuring when her father actually stands up for her. It seemed throught the whole book that no one cared and I felt like this made me see that even if affection is not necessarily shown often that it can still be there. I agree that one kind act can make a diffenece in a life.
ReplyDeleteThis book has a way of making a child who may feel different realize it is normal. Everyone at some point goes through a time in their life where they feel odd or have trouble relating to others. Saaski cannot relate to her peers or her family, this fact makes readers understand her on a special level. This level of understanding may not even be met between two humans since it is such an intimate and touchy subject. A child who reads this book may have a greater understanding of how to cope with diversity.
ReplyDeleteI like you're opening about how if the book is dedicated to children who feel "different," then it is dedicated to all children. I think that so many children have felt like Saaski - not belonging in one or two groups - and have felt very lonely in the process. This book has a strong message about the power of love - nice insights.
ReplyDeleteI agree that everyone at some point had felt different than the rest. Growing up I did not feel that I fit in, but having my family to support me through hard times was a great feeling. I also agree with you that this book is dedicated to all children, but mostly the females who have felt left out at any time during their childhood. This novel really can help young females who are having difficulties because most of the time they think they are alone, but while reading they can see that they are not. That there are people just like them thinking they also do not fit in.
ReplyDeleteThe idea of relating to all children on the platform of a main character who feels seperated or "different" from other characters around them is a very smart tactic in capturing readers' relatability to a text. The notion of attempting to connect with young readers is something that all children's books try and do while only some are successful. For Saaski, the feelings of being different and alienated ultimately make her stronger. This is the message that I believe McGraw is trying to make as adversity is something all individuals, especially children, experience at some point or another and it is what an individual takes from it that can make them a stronger person. The example of Saaski and her strength are meant to be inspriation for all readers, especially young ones.
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