Posted by Mashogr8 on October 25, 2002, at 16:17:59
In reply to Re: The Heart is a Lonely Hunter, posted by Dr. Bob on October 25, 2002, at 2:37:56
It's not so much that they are or are not civil to him (Singer). It's more that so far as I've read (through Chpater 6) that no one seems to try to make it a two way conversation. They, at times, keep company with him but I haven't yet seen any back and forth interaction between the characters where they are seeking more information from Singer. They wonder to each other about him but not with him. Again, it's similar to the special education students in a mainstream school (which I am definitely in favor of). The other students are willilng and even eager to help them stay on task, line up properly, read passages to them, even greet them hello. But most of these same children do not extend that same concern and interaction with the special ed. student (or different child for that matter) on the playground. When communication is difficult, some children demonstrate fear and/or bewilderment that they don't know what the child is saying or that the child might have an anger outburst directed at them. I understand this part and it's our job as educators to act as advocates for all children and encourage opportunities to break down those walls. But it's the students who don't want them to play basketball (we're talking 15 minutes of shooting, dribbling or passing) none of which Down's Syndrome children are particularly skilled at) who never ever invite them to join. Kids know they don't have the skills. They also know that they (the special ed. students will expect to always play. If you play basketball once you play it all the time.
With Singer I wonder if there is a built in fear that the talkers worry that they will not understand what he might express to them. Are the afraid of his voice and the lack of intelligibility if Singer were to be encouraged to speak to them? Are they afraid they won't like what he has to say --Is it dark? Or worse yet, maybe they might have to become involved and help.
Also, I think I have read this book, not quite sure, but I'll know when I get further in the book. I should be able to read half of part 2 this weekend.The book reminds of a novel, written by Taylor Caldwell, called the "Listener" (if I remember correctly). People would stop by this wayside chapel(I think) and tell their stories of woe, despair and fear. Generally, they felt better after knowing "someone" listened to them. I keep thinking that Singer is that type of force in "The Heart Is A Lonely Hunter." When I first read the Caldwell book, I needed to read and reread it; I wanted so much for a similar place to be available for me. With McCullers book, I want a place or person for Singer to have for comfort. I want him to find peace and a place in life with someone who will appreciate him not use and abuse him over and over again as Antanopolis (I forget his name/spelling)treats him.
...My thoughts currently, I still ahve more to read.MA
poster:Mashogr8
thread:699
URL: http://www.dr-bob.org/babble/books/20020616/msgs/707.html