The Negatives Sides of Fiction Books

The Negative Sides of Fiction Books
Esther Deborah Kalauserang

 

FICTION: INVENTION AS OPPOSED TO A FACT.

Fiction is a type of book which contains imaginary events and people. Mostly the readers of this genre are teens and young adu lts. Fiction itself is an interesting genre to write because of the things written inside, like adventures and fantasy. This type of book takes us to another new world to explore and entertain us much, a book have to be enjoyed. But, fiction has several negative sides. 

 First of all, fiction is created by our imagination, and our imaginations have their own limits; that is knowledge. We cannot write something outside our knowledge to find something new. Fiction will be boring if we get to read the same main idea from different authors, because the topics—such as mythical super powers, heroes, magic—were spun around over and over. Readers can easily guess what will happen next if they know how fiction’s patterns works.

Another weakness of fiction is that when watched the book-based movie and read actual book after that, our imagination will be the same like in the films. We will find it unsatisfying (or more likely disturbing) to imagine some scenes from the film—especially when it comes to bad scenery or actors in the movies—and our brain memories forced our imaginations to pour all of them into the book. 

  People’s imaginations are different from ours, probably uglier or cooler. That’s why some movie directors make some changes in the script. They didn’t really copy 100 percent from the real book, and some of the readers made a protest about it. But it is true. Who want to watch the exact movie like the book? Boring. Well, a few people want to, but me myself expect some differences inside the movie so we cannot guess how the working of fiction pattern happens throughout the film.

Second, fictions aren’t real. The authors just made up whatever they want to happen in their story. They can create anything that they want and put hidden values behind the books. If a child read a book not for his age, then he still cannot make the difference between fact or fiction. He can copy how the characters think and act according to the story. An author can make wrong things right from his character’s perspective and plant it in the reader’s mindset. They will not notice it, if they’re not smart or detail enough to know the contrasting ideas. This is very dangerous, because they can do something harmful to themselves or to others. 

 

For instance, a Russian boy named Leonid Hmlev made a tragic suicide by jumping off from 30 meters above the ground. Leonid did that after he posted a message on the social media that he planned an ending of a story because his favorite character, Itachi Uchiha lost in a battle against his brother in the animated movie ‘Naruto—Hurricane Chronicle’. Later his father recognized his dead body. Leonid watched too much television; he cannot differ the reality and his fiction world. 

The last one, the morals or values can mislead the readers by their opinion that they think it is true. For example, an author from a random book wrote about the character’s parents. They divorced, and the mom lived with another man in the same roof with her daughter though they are not married yet. This daughter was angry at her mom, at first. But, her situation changed her way of thinking later. She find out that her mom’s other person is okay to live with them because that man was kind and kind of helped her from her troubles. She was happy about it, and finally let her mom lived like that. 

The same thing also often occurs in teen books that a girl has a night with her boyfriend together in a hotel room. The main character thinks it is alright because it is a normal thing to do and everybody did it. She actually knew that her parents forbid it, but because of her friends’ opinion, she did it anyways. And the book ended happily without any regret for it. 

Another example was about a person who made revenge to someone who hurt him. He was very ambitious to murder him, and the readers could see how his mind works. His way of thinking was so clear that people thought his reasons are true. 

So, it was the author who decides that it is the ‘right’ thing to do.  The author can make an incredible reason why it is okay and persuade the readers. Maybe at first the reader who thinks it is a false thing to do can change his or her opposing statement into a 180 degree thought because they were influenced by this book. I sometimes got really convinced too for a minute, because the writer really put them in a smart way. Authors should be careful putting their opinions because they still have to remember that the majority of fiction fantasy book readers are teens. Finally the readers were convinced by the books and have a moral decrease.

Fiction books are really something. It has a positive side and negative side. It has advantage and disadvantage. It gives good and bad influences. The important thing is, that everything has their own balance. Words are dangerous things to mess with, but it can bring an impact to all people. Like people said, a pen is sharper than a sword. So does the book. A book can bring influence to people and can change an entire nation’s mindset, both in the negative and positive way.

Raymond Elias Feist

                              -----RAYMOND ELIAS FEIST-----

One of America’s famous novelist is Raymond Elias Feist. He is the one who drags the readers into a new world of fantasy fiction in The Riftwar Cycle books which were consisted of the famously worldwide-known Riftwar Saga, The Empire Trilogy, Krondor’s Sons, The Serpentwar Saga, The Riftwar Legacy, Legends of the Riftwar, Conclave of the Shadows, The Darkwar Saga, The Demonwar Saga and The Chaoswar Saga series. 

He was born in Los Angles in 1945 with the name Raymond E. Gonzales III until his mother remarried and he took his stepfather’s surname. He was raised in Southern California and now lives with his children in San Diego accompanied by the hobby of collecting fine wines, biographies and history—especially history of American professional football.  The reason he wrote these books was because of an idea that popped out on his head of writing a boy who wanted to be a magician. Finally his writings were transformed into amazing works which are still loved, popular and sold over 15 million copies and translated into multiple languages currently. 

I am a big fan of Feist because of his awesome books. Those books have an interesting plot of a whole new world of Midkemia to explore and a lot of character to meet with fascinating olden lifestyle. There were many surprises in the end of the book, or changes in situation. Sometimes they irritated me and made me wanted to protest, but finally—as the plot developed—I understood why it was like that and it gave a better solution. 

Feist must have done some researches of his own. The life in a castle was easily pictured by him without any difficulties, especially when it came to the feudal system and the position of rulers—for instance, the difference between a squire and a warlord.  He really adopted the culture and habits of medieval times, like when a guard happened to see a prince. The expression and way of speaking of that guard resembled the olden times, even in his courtesy towards the high class members. 

Feist also mastered the politics. He played his puppets well when it came for making an offense, provocation, war and political marriage. Sometimes his depiction about the scene which happened in war or a fight was a bit harsh and bloody. It was like watching the movie “Troy” or “Lord of the Rings” in a book. But I think those times were like that, like in Dark Ages. The funny thing was; Feist had a mind of democracy. He did not like slavery, and he used one of his main characters, Prince Arutha, to go against that. He also made Pug, the magician, to destroy a stadium because of a gladiator show to waste human lives. 

I could learn a lot from his works. That’s why I love to read and study from his writings. He left the readers a message from his life. He spent years of writing—since 1982 until now—and created thousand pages of books. If he could do it, why can’t a younger generation of novelists like us make more creations? When can answer that question with ‘yes’, the only thing we’ll need is determination, diligence and a little bit of perspiration. If we get all those, then get ready to see our books on the bookshelf!

Repentance

A poem made in Reading Class, where the black color shows the 1^st speaker and the blue one is the 2^nd.

Repentance

When I stepped on the world, I was afraid

None can keep me away from danger

Nor flee afar from others’ anger

Scare clothe me when I slept

Amidst my mind was chaos,

 Where worry’s kept

Be still, my friend. 

Scare shall have you jailed, 

But goodness will always prevail.

Victory you shall have

So pray to thy Father

By His mercy you’ll be saved.

Well-spoken, good stranger

But how could I not worry

While my heart is full of anguish? 

It was carving my soul deeply.

So deep it hurts, 

Giving me bewilderments and perplexity

For many times I’ve had the experience

My feet led me to ways of unsecure

I thought to myself I’m desperately confounding.

Nothing change, though myself I blame.

Then I realize. Without Him I’m an empty void.

I called to Him, “Father, to Thee I’m sorry,” repents and felt secure.

Shall I believe in your counsel?

Hesitating, I am, but your words are true.

Help me to run toward Him

So I shall gain victory and secure

As you taught me before.

I’ll be obliged in Him, and trust Him with assurance.

Approach me, my brother.

Let us pray to Him with repentance

And thy good, willing heart

That will give thee a new start.

 

The Adventure

This one poem is made by Agus, also an elementary second grader. He is an easy going kid and really, really loves to read and write. He always made an effort to speak English in Reading class, though it sounds very funny in his Javanese accent. He choose an adventure-themed poem because...Well, because he is that kind of boy. I even heard him that he already ride goats back in his village far away from Jogja. 

The Adventure

When you're up in the sky

By plane

You went up and down the hills,

You'll feel tired.

In the road you'll 

Walk, run and jump.

If you meet a man,

Man made peace.

In the forest,

You are afraid.

Then you'll conquer

Wild animals.

Nature

Another kid in 2nd grade elementary, Farrel, created a poem. He's basically a strict boy, always on time and never late in submitting homeworks. His main goal was to get highest score in the class, so he can be "a president director of business company" like he said. His very first try in making poems was writing a nature-themed poem. I know he was having hard time in putting the words inside his head to the papers, but he did his best. I'm so surprised how the poem turns out pretty good, and I like it.

Nature

Roses grow up

From soil

Rain fall down

Very long

Flowers are very colorful

There are red, blu and many more

Mountains are very high,

But hills seemed very low

Forest is full with

Trees that is very high

Rivers are full with water

And with fishes

My Dad

This poem is made by one of the JPA student, a 2nd grader boy named Yehu. He is a lively boy and always cheers up the class, or sometimes the opposite. He is very manly, unlike the other two students in 2nd grade. He actually did rough things, but I'm surprised that he really have a soft heart for his Dad and the other younger kindergarten students. He did very well in writing his own stories, and it's his first time making poems. 

My Dad

When my Dad 

is sick,

I made tea 

When my Dad

Is sick,

I gave him

 warm water

I helped my Dad

Until I'm sad

Because I love 

My Dad

Very much

And I hugged my Dad

The next day

He was healed

Being Neighborly Drama from Little Women

Being Neighborly

A rearranged play by Esther Deborah K.

Taken from “Little Women” by Louisa May Alcott

The following drama is rearranged according to the need of the players. A few missing dialogues in the Classic Starts version were mixed with the real ones taken from the Alddinn Classic. Another line of dialogues were made up when they had tea time, because the book didn't say anything what they say. It's just written "chatting like old friends" or some sort of that. So, enjoy this simplified and rearranged drama!

Casting:

1.      Jo: a temperamental, lively girl. She’s 15 years old and average sized.

2.      Laurie: a shy, good-natured boy that lives next door

3.      Mr. Laurence: Laurie’s grandpa. He had kind eyes and looked a little grim

4.      Laurie’s Maid

Act I

Setting

The stage is divided into two parts. The left side is Jo’s backyard with a background of her house. Jo is shoveling out the snow from her yard with a broom. The right part is Laurie’s room filled with bed, lampstand, bookshelf and sofa. The divider between the two parts is Laurie’s window so he can look  out to Jo’s yard.

Scene 1

(Jo is shoveling some snow and Laurie is sitting on his bed. While Laurie is sitting on his bed, she throw some snow on his window. Laurie looked out to the window)

Jo (waving her hand): Hello, Laurie! Are you sick?

Laurie (in a raspy voice): Yes, Jo. I’ve had a bad cold and have been inside all week.

Jo: what have you been doing to keep busy?

Laurie:  Nothing much.

Jo: How about reading?

Laurie: I’m not allowed.

Jo: Why don’t invite your friends to visit?

Laurie: They’re too noisy.

Jo: what about a girl then? Someone to play nurse and read to you?

Laurie: Don’t know any.

Jo (laughing): You know me.

Laurie: what a great idea!

Jo: then I’ll go ask mother’s permission (exits the stage)

(Laurie straightens his room and brushes his hair)

Act II

 (Jo enters Laurie’s room bringing a cake, flowers and kittens while Laurie lay on the sofa.)

Jo: these are from my sisters. The cake is from Meg, Amy gave the flowers and Beth sent her kittens.

(Jo sits on a big chair)

Laurie: Thank you. It’s just the right thing to help me relax.

Jo: Shall I read a book for you?

Laurie: No thank you, I rather talk.

Jo: I’ll talk all day if you’ll only set me going. Beth says I never know when how to stop.

Laurie: is Beth the rosy one, who stays at home a good deal, and sometimes go out with a little 

basket?

Jo: Yes, that’s Beth. She’s my girl, and a regular good one she is, too.

Laurie: the pretty one is Meg, and the curly-haired one is Amy, I believe?

Jo: How did you find that out?

Laurie (blushing): Why, you see, I often hear you calling to one another, and when I’m alone up here, I can’t help looking over at your house, you always seem to be having such good times. I beg your pardon for being so rude, but sometimes you forget to put down the curtain at the window where the flowers are;  and when the lamps are lighted, it’s like looking at a picture to see the fire, and you all around the table with your mother; her face is right opposite, and it looks so sweet behind the flowers, I can’t help watching it. I haven’t got any mother, you know.

Jo: we’ll never draw that curtain anymore, and I give you leave to look as much as you like. I just wish, though, instead of peeping, you’d come over and see us. Wouldn’t your grandpa let you?

Laurie: I think he would, if your mother asked him. He’s very kind, though he does not look so; and he lets me do what I like, pretty much, only he’s afraid I might be a bother to strangers.

Jo: We are not strangers, we are neighbors, and we want to know you for a long time.

Laurie: You see, Grandpa lives among his books, and doesn’t mind much what happens outside. Mr. Brooke, my tutor, doesn’t stay here, you know, and I have no one to go about with me, so I just stop at home and get on as I can.

Jo: that’s bad. You got to make an effort. Never mind being bashful; it won’t last long if you keep going.

Laurie: (blushing) Do you like your school?

Jo: I don’t go to school and worked for Aunt March.

Laurie: Then how about your liking of books?

Jo: Oh, I love books as much as you did.

Laurie: I’ll invite you to the tour of the spectacular house, and of course, to stop at the fabulous library.

Act III

Setting

The stage had a background of a big library. A few real shelves with books are displayed, and a big portrait of Laurie’s grandpa is hung on the middle of the stage.

(Jo and Laurie enter the stage, talking while walking. A bell rang)

Jo: It must be your grandfather!

Laurie: Don’t tell me you’re afraid of him?

Jo: Maybe a little, but I don’t know why.

(A maid enters the stage and talked to Laurie.)

 Maid: The doctor had arrived, sir.

Laurie : I’ll be examined in another room just for a while. Enjoy yourself, Jo.

(Laurie exits with the maid, leaving Jo standing in front of Mr. Laurence’s portrait.)

Jo: (staring at the portrait of Mr. Laurence)

(Mr. Laurence came in quietly and stood behind Jo a bit far.)

Jo (whispering aloud): I shouldn’t be scared of him, for he’s got kind eyes, though his mouth is a little grim and he looks like he must have tremendous will. He isn’t as handsome as my grandfather, but I like him.

Mr. Laurence: Well, thank you young lady.

(Jo turned around with a startled face and blushed.)

Mr. Laurence: So you’re not afraid of me?

Jo (softly): Not much, sir.

Mr. Laurence: But you do like me despite my bad features?

Jo: Oh yes, sir!

Mr. Laurence: You have your grandfather’s spirit.

Jo: Thank you, sir. I came here to be neighborly, because I think Laurie needs cheering up.

Mr. Laurence: Yes, I agree with you.  Now, how about joining us in the parlor for tea?

Jo: I will be glad to, sir!

(Both of them exit the stage while Jo put her arms into Mr.Laurence’s.)

Act IV

Setting

The parlor had a background of a regular cozy parlor with windows. There is a real set of table furniture plus a couple of chairs for Jo, Mr. Laurence and Laurie. On the table, there is three cups of tea and a teapot. Biscuits and small cakes are served. A flower vase decorated the center of the table. On the far right side of the stage, there is a grand piano. On the far left, there is a door  facing the exit.

(All three of them sat on each chair. Sometimes they sip their tea a few times or stir it while listening to each person who talks.)

Jo: Laurie, did you know that our neighbor, Mr. Douglas that lives in the end of the street, keeps a huge canary with unusual blue eyes?

Laurie: Yes, the news was spread over the entire neighborhood.  I once saw him carried a lavish cage with the canary inside.

Jo: Really? How did it looked like? I never saw it before.

Laurie: Oh, it was a regular pretty bird with unusual blue eyes like you described. But I think the owner rarely teach the birds manners; it bite Mr. Douglas’ finger that held the cage!

Jo (laughs): What a sight you saw, Laurie!

(They both laughed and Mr. Laurence look at both of them contently)

Mr. Laurence: I think you have a good influence over my boy, Ms. Jo.

Jo (still laughing): Why, thank you, sir.

(Jo looked around and caught the sight of the piano.)

Jo: Laurie, do you play?

Laurie: Sometimes.

Jo: Please do now. I want to hear it so I can tell Beth.

Laurie: Won’t you first?

Jo: Don’t know how; too stupid to learn, but I love music dearly.

(Both approach the piano. Laurie sits and Jo stands. He played the piano and then finishes.)

Jo: Laurie, that’s so beautiful!

Laurie (bashfully): Thank you for the compliment, Jo.

Mr. Laurence (approaches them): That will do, that will do, young lady. Too many sugarplums are not good for him. His music isn’t bad, but I hope he will do as well in more important things. Going? Well, I’m much obliged to you, and I hope you’ll come again. My respects to your mother. Good night, Doctor Jo.

(Mr. Laurence shook Jo’s hand gruffly and looked something did not please him. He walks away to the right exit.)

(Jo and Laurie walk to the door. They stood in front of the door.)

Jo: Did I say something wrong? Your grandfather looked a bit displeased.

Laurie (shook his head): No, it was me; he doesn’t like to hear me play.

Jo: Why not?

Laurie: I’ll tell you someday. John, my tutor, is going with you as I can’t.

Jo: No need of that; I am not a young lady, and it’s only a step. Take care of yourself, won’t you?

Laurie: Yes; but you will come again. I hope?

Jo: If you promise to come and see us after you are well.

Laurie: I will.

Jo: Good night, Laurie! (went out of the door and waves her hand)

Laurie: Good night, Jo, good night! (stood in front of the door and waved back)

(Jo exits the stage. The lights went dark and the curtains closed.)

-END-