Tuesday, 31 January 2012
Book Notes
Critically analyse the book, "The Dragon Can't Dance" written by Earl Lovelace; discuss the language, and themes you have encountered in the Prelude of this book. State briefly how these themes can impact on your ability to transform the school ethos (culture and climate) of the learning institution in which you are employed.
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In the prologue of the book " The Dragon Can't Dance" written by local author, Mr. Earl Lovelace numerous different themes have been encountered. Its story begins with humor, when Taffy, a man who says he is Christ, puts himself up on a cross one day and get vex with his followers "when they start to stone him". He cursed them saying, "Let every sinnerman bear his own blasted burden; who is I to die for people who ain't have sense enough to know that they can't pelt a man with big stones when so much little pebbles lying on the ground."
ReplyDeleteThis book also talks about poverty. There is mention about the starvation in the Hill which were evident by the stray dogs that you could play banjo on their rib bones, shacks that stood fragile like kite paper and children who were hard like whips with their yellowed eyes filled with malnutrition.
This thought-provoking book is also about rhythm which Carnival brings to the Hill, transforming it and springing it to life. This rhythm of Carnival and Calypso was the "one link to the music that is their life, their soul and touched them...". This rhythm, their cultural tradition gave them hope and provided escape from their struggle for survival, endurance and acknowledgment.
As teachers, we may encounter students who experience poverty in the community and homes. This may sometimes, negatively impact students' performance as well as the school's ethos. Being an educator, we should seek different methods to accommodate and transform the students' and the development of the whole school.
After looking at the cover of the book “The Dragon Can’t Dance”, I was not interested in reading it, however after analyzing the prelude, my appetite was thirsting for more. The author “Earl Lovelace” highlighted many themes and he used similes to identify important points. He had excellent descriptive powers.
DeleteHe spoke about poverty when he said “if you want to pass from your yard to the road you have to be a high-jumper to jump over the gutter full of dirty water and hold your nose.” He also highlighted “the shacks that leap out of the red dirt and stone, thin like smoke, fragile like kite paper, balancing on their rickety pillars as broomsticks on the edge of a juggler’s nose”. This is still prominent in Morvant today although this book was written and published in 1979.
There was also laughter as taffy, a villager was stoned by his followers as he requested but he get vex and start to cuss when they did as he demanded. He said “who is I to die for people who ain’t have sense enough to know that they can’t pelt a man with big stones when so much little pebbles lying on the ground”.
The author also highlighted carnival, where the steelband tent was alive. There is a cultural relevance as he talked about the “hours, hours; days, days; for weeks they beat these drums, beat these drums, hammering out from them a cry, the cry, the sound, stroking them more gently than they will ever caress a woman; and they have it. At last they have it”. This ritual is still present today at our pan yards and on carnival day, we continue to enter the streets of Port of Spain.
Finally, this mind-blowing book spoke about the tempo, culture and spirit of calypso. Thirty three (33) years later and this culture is still well-known. Children dance, they dance and sing the calypsos word for word, moving their waists. They Dance! Enjoying the beats and pulse of calypso as it is our culture. The spirit of calypso helps you to forget all your woes as you can “dance if you catching hell, dance! Your woman take your money and run away with another man, Dance! Dance!” This is part of our heritage!
In the prologue of the book “The Dragon Cant Dance”, the writer was able to depict the actual lifestyle of those living on the hill (Lavantille). He has done this using the correct similes and metaphors in his writing. The writer Earl Lovelace was able to bring out in a scene at the beginning of the prologue the actual behaviors and attitudes of those living on the hill (paragraph one). He was able to show poverty in that area, highlight little problems and one way they were dealt with.
Delete“…….a tree bearing fruit that never ripens for Miss Olive’s seven, and the area’s other children, lean and hard like whips, there wise yellowed eyes filled with malnutrition…..”
“ Laughter is not laughter; it is a groan coming from the boson of these houses – no - not houses, shacks that leap out of the red dirt and stone, thin like smoke, fragile like kite paper, balancing on their rickety pillars as broomsticks on the edge of a juggler’s nose.”
“If you catching hell dance, and the government don’t care, dance! ...Dance! Dance! Dance!”
In the reading, ones everyday way of life in that area is mentioned. The young men spending time on the block playing games of dice, leaning against the walls of shops liming or holding the promise of violence on the young girls and running from police on their daily raids. Then when it is time for carnival these very same young men find themselves in the pan yard to play pan forgetting all their problems. The reader may have never been to that area but on reading this would have a very fear idea of the lifestyle there.
The title of the book “The Dragon Can’t Dance” so far has nothing to do with what is written. As one reads along it will be investigated as to why the title was given.
After reading the prolugue of the book one was impressed with the way the author brought across the story. One could have acquainted one's self with what was happening in the story. The author brought life into the story with the use of a lot of metaphors. Despite their poverty, they still functioned as though they were not poor. They enjoyed carnival and calypso as they danced in the street. This situation let one realise that despite one's state, one can still enjoy life. They did not let their present situation suppress them. One learnt after reading that in the presence of one's poverty, one can still achieve. As an educator, one realised that this situation is also present in schools. As a result, one must take in to consideration the background of the children and work with them so they can move from one level to another. One also must allow them to embrace their culture so that they can work towards what they want.
ReplyDeleteIn the prologue of the book "The Dragon Can't Dance," Earl Lovelace enabled his readers to envision the survival modes of the people of Laventille Hill. Within the reading, readers can encounter several themes that allow them to relive the life and culture of the people on "this" hill. Mr. Earl Lovelace, wrote on themes such as poverty, gang-lives, prostitution, Carnival and even the culture of the people residing on that hill.
ReplyDelete"This is the hill, Calvary Hill, where the sun set on starvation and rise on potholed roads,....Laughter is not Laughter; it is a groan coming from the bosom of these houses- no- not houses shacks that leap out of the red dirt and stone, thin like smoke, fragile like kite paper,balancing on their rickety pillars as broomsticks on the edge of a juggler's nose." There, Mr. Lovelace depicted the poverty that came out from "this hill." He continued to stress on the poverty life further, as he wrote about the tree bearing fruit that was unable to ripen due to neighbouring children;"...lean and hard like whips, their wise yellowed eyes filled with malnutrition." Mr. Earl Lovelace then wrote about the gang lives, "...these walls on which they have scrawled their own names and that of their gangs, Marabuntas, Apple-Jackers, Brimstone, Shane- ..." Mr. Lovelace gave details depicting the movement of these men on the street corners and their gestures, as those of the Western movie stars and their gun talk.This behavior was only a form of ownership as they claimed their territories,which was then (their territories)abandoned during the Carnival season.
Carnival! This was the life of the people, they would hasten to the steelband tent to assemble for steel drum. "Now, the steelband tent will become a cathedral, and these young men priests. They will draw from their back pockets those rubber-tipped sticks, which they had carried around all year, as one link to the music that is their life, their soul,.." Carnival created the rhythm and culture for these people,"..enduring people so that they shout; Life! They cry: Hurrah! They drink a rum and say: Fuck it! They walk with a tall hot beauty between the garbage and dog shit, proclaiming life, exulting in the bare bones of their person and their skin." The culture of Carnival created a frenzy that allowed these people to feel free, to throw their hands in the air and rejoice through dance. Mr. Lovelace stressed on the people of the hill freedom and culture. "Dance to the hurt! If you catching hell, dance, and the government don't care, dance!...Dance! Dance! Dance!"
As it relates to life today, this culture is still present, and it has spread throughout Trinidad and Tobago. The laziness, idleness, and even poverty in still present in our country. So, as an educator, their is an urgent need to assist in the changing of the school's ethos to which I'm employed. It means to me,that I need to find positive ways in creating a great impact on the student's life. Despite of their social background,(poverty, gang-life, prostitution, etc), my main job should be to educate them so that they can change the norm and culture we have today, for a better tomorrow.
The book ‘The Dragon Can’t Dance’ by Earl Lovelace is well written. He skilfully introduced the story by bringing humour to the fore, after which the real story is told. Mr. Lovelace in his writing allows the reader to vividly capture the primitive lifestyle of a people that have mainly harvested vagabonds, who still finds unity and solace in time of the cultural event called carnival.
ReplyDeleteThe Hill: He humorously drew us up this hill, as he told of Christ’s imitator Taffy. However, this prelude revealed the actual hardship experienced by the people on this hill call Morvant. The writer states how the minds of these people have been emancipated to ‘a more profound idleness and waste’ with Trinity now meaning Idleness, Laziness and Waste.
Carnival: The cultural event of carnival was also highlighted in a way to show that these people really looked forward to this event. It gives us the tremendous vision of how much they look forward to carnival when he wrote about ‘the steel band tent being a cathedral and the young men being priest’. This feeling makes the journey to the steel band tent worthwhile for these young men as they release all their energy and talent to hit their sticks to the ‘cracked faces’ of the steel drums, ‘hours after hours’; and ‘days after days’; He even compared their yearning for this art form to that of a woman being stroked, when it stated that they were ‘stroking them more gently than they will ever caress a woman’.
Calypso: Calypso music was revealed in a manner that really captivates the actual sight of these hardworking women dancing. Their movement to the beat was explained in a sensual manner, and as if to say only the journey they have to travel on foot could allow this type of flexibility in the way their bodies move to the sweet calypso music. He referred to them as ‘earth priestesses heralding a new spring’. Everyone on the hill dances to calypso music, even in times of sorrow.
Impact: As an Educator, this tells me that one should look closely at the charges before them; not only on the surface but look deep enough to see the unseen. This way one will be better able to make positive contributions to their successes in life.
Looking at the cover of the book, one will not be intrigued to go any further. But little did I know that this book held a overwhelming amount of information. The writer made you travel with him with his wide ranges of metaphors and similes. Based on the writer's experience and knowledge, it is heart wrenching that the youth of today can still testify, for Laventille has made minimal if not any progress.
ReplyDeleteEmotions were toiled with as during certain aspects of the book one would smile, laugh and shake you head from time to time in disbelief. It make you thankful for what you have and acknowledge the words of Pretender's song," Never ever worry don't mind how thing looking bad............. Always consider, somebody suffering more than you."
Massive impact this book had, as I could relate to my school experiences. I know for sure that every class I encountered there are students from " THE HILL". This book has made me more patient towards pupils in this situation and motivates me to take that child from the Hill and bring him/ her on " THE FLAT"
Mr. Earl Lovelace in his quest to conceptualize the plight and needs of the people of Morvant and Laventille, who seem to be without a voice, wrote The Dragon Can't Dance. The eloquent fashion in which this book was written has made it into a literary masterpiece that resonates in the soul of the reader. The use of satiric and idiomatic language ensured that the reader was sucked into the circumstances of the people. The brilliance of the writing affected the reader in such a manner that one must read from cover to cover.
ReplyDelete'This is the hill, Calvary Hill, where the sun set on starvation and rise on potholed roads, thrones of stray dogs that you could play banjo on their rib bones, holding garbage piled high like cathedral spire, sparkling with flies buzzing like torpedoes; and if you want to pass from your yard to the road you have to be a high jumper to jump over the gutter full up with dirty water, and hold your nose.' The usefulness of the descriptions of taste, sites, sounds, smells, feelings and people made the story relateable and the characters worthy of a second look. Mr. Earl Lovelace reminds readers that the culture of an environment plays an important role in how an individual functions in society.
In modern day this culture may negatively affect the performance of a child at school. this story has allowed the perception of the reader to change, I realize that the culture of my students affect their academic and social abilities. Therefore, it requires a dedicated teacher to formulate and educate students in a manner that overcomes cultural barriers and creates a holistic individual who is ready to be a part of the society.
In the prologue there were many different themes which dealt with the real issues of life.However the ones that stood out were the "poverty and carnival'.
ReplyDeleteAs the writer quoted "poverty', this was the ability of the poor black people of the Hill, to survive and in the process of surviving to create cultural traditions just like the "plum tree' that has battled its way up through the tough red dirt and stands now, its root spread out like claws, gripping the earth, these people represent a race that resisted slavery and colonialism of the present system.
The author also mentioned carnival, a festival marked by the steel band was the only phenonenon to bring the Hill to life.This rythm of carnival brought music, dance,calypso and costumes which intensify at carnival are products of the endurance and existence of the people.
As a teacher one may be faced with challenges of students who experience poverty and cultural affiliations in their homes.This can have a negative impact on the student and the school ethos.
However as an educator one must show their students that their is hope for improvement and reinforce different teaching skills, along with the experiences and knowledge in meeting with the academic acheivement in making learning bond for developmental success of the school.
In Today's society, laventille today and yesterday appeared to be the same. Mr. Lovelace's'' THE DRAGON CAN'T DANCE''has eloquently captured the socio-economic situation faced by the people.What stood out for me is the poverty faced by the people.He mentioned that laughter is not laughter.Children did not allow the mangoes to mature.He skillfully articulated the setting, prose, scence and characters in the book.This book brought out the raw pain felt by the people.In addition,theculture and environment in which they are exposedto played a critical role in their dispostion.This book was well written.
ReplyDeleteIn the prologue of the novel "The dragon can't dance" by Earl Lovelace, the writer displayed very good descriptive ability. I was able to get a clear picture in my mind that a high level of poverty existed in the area that he wrote about. Statements such as "a tree bearing fruit that never ripens" and "laughter is not laughter'. I was able to feel the pain of the people of this village. But with all the poverty fave the villagers were able to enjoy a rich cultural experience by playing pan and participating in Carnival.
ReplyDeleteThe book The Dragon Cant Dance written by Trinidad and Tobago author Earl Lovelace is a thought provoking, humorous, poignant and vivid account of life in the poverty stricken Calvary Hill. It centers on the pre Carnival and Carnival thrill, a time of great anticipation and merriment. This transforms the area, bringing it to life with fervour and anticipation through the rhythm of music and dance, steel pan and calypso that is a part of our unique cultural heritage.
ReplyDeleteThat time of year served as a means of hope and an escape from the norm into a place of fantasy where there were no stresses of everyday life and worries. To a place where one and all, old, young, rich, poor, black, indian, white etc. were one.
The author gives an in-depth, unambiguous account into the lives of the residents of this area and how these character's lives are intertwined with the extraordinary and unique living in poverty stricken Calvary Hill.
In the book, Mr. Lovelace provides insight into the growth and development of the characters for example Alderick. It illustrates how he begins to question the validity of his stance as Dragon. In addition, it highlights the initial disillusion of Pariag who came to Port of Spain seeking a better life with his wife. He enters the predominantly “creole world” longing for acceptance yet overshadowed by alienation.
These themes can impact on my ability to transform the school ethos as it has allowed to me to come to the realization that there are students, teachers and parents who are from “the hill”. Although the time period of this book was approximately thirty (30) years ago the ideologies and values still exist today. As an educator based in the integrated population of the school setting, one must take into consideration that regardless of an individual’s background, colour, or economic situation, success can be achieved. In addition, all forms of tradition must be embraced and acknowledged. Positive and creative ways need to be implemented to impact student’s lives, guiding them away from the negative norms of poverty, gangs, violence etc. whilst overcoming stigmas and cultural biases in an effort to enable them to embrace their cultural heritage and thrive harmoniously.
Rachael Alexander-James
In the Prologue of the book “The Dragon Can’t Dance,” the writer used a lot of analogies and metaphors to express his views on the depth of poverty, the culture of the people of Calvary Hill, and how poverty and struggle had become a part of their everyday existence.
ReplyDeleteCarnival was the only time of joy for the inhabitants of Calvary Hill when all the people adopted a carefree attitude, and the music compelled them to “forget the troubles and dance.”
The language used and themes encountered captivates the reader and stimulates laughter or sadness.
As an Educator, poverty and negative attitude will definitely have a negative impact on the school’s culture and ethos. Subsequently, the teacher’s job becomes a bit more challenging as he must endeavour to instill moral values and demonstrate acceptable standards to the affected students, thereby enabling them to become positive influences on our society.
In the prologue of the book "The Dragon Can't Dance", the writer brought across some points on poverty about the people living on Calvary Hill. He spoke about how the children were lean and hard like whips, never allowing the fruits to ripen on trees and their yellowed eyes filled with malnutrition. Although these people were poor, they held it as a possession, a pass-key, a charmed medallion which clearly stated that they were very proud of who they were, where they came from and what they had. A scence of unity they all showed at carnival time enjoying themselves forgetting if they were ever poor at all.
ReplyDeleteIt was realised that teachers should not only teach the children but also pay attention to their background to find out their strengths and weaknesses along with their health, needs and social well-being. They should also ensure that the learning environment is safe, clean and comfortable for the students to work, and no matter what they look like or where they came from, they should be treated fairly and given the encouragement and motivation to be a success story.
The Dragon Can’t Dance is a fictional, hilarious and intriguing, narrative novel, written by local author, Earl Lovelace. In the prelude of this book, Lovelace depicts some aspects of preparations made for the Trinidad and Tobago Carnival by the members of the small community/village, which he refers to as “The Hill”. Although extreme poverty exists, the Hill comes alive during the Carnival season; Young men get off street corners with pan sticks in back pockets heading to pan tents, radios turned on full blast playing calypso music while children skip and dance to the songs being played. It is at carnival time, where it appeared as though the residents of the Hill seemed not to acknowledge to existence of their present state of poverty.
ReplyDeleteIn addition to the very descriptive themes used in the prelude of this book, Mr. Lovelace used local ‘Trinbago” language in presenting this story to readers. This is evident by his use of intonation, analogies and figurative expressions. Intonation in dialogue with statements such as “……he get vex and start to cuss: “Get me down! Get me down! Let every sinnerman bear his own blasted burden……”. The effective use of figurative expressions are obvious in expressions like “holding their poverty a possession, tending it stubbornly as Miss Cleothilda tends her flower garden….”
Having read ‘The Dragon Can’t Dance’, it is my belief that incorporating and infusing some these themes into the primary school’s curriculum can aid in the transformation of the school’s ethos. This incorporation and infusion can be effective, especially in the area of reading, where it is evident that a major problem exists. The transformation of the school’s ethos in this particular area can be effective because this type of literary presentation can aid in the stimulation of a child’s interest in reading.
Once the children interest in reading is stimulated the entire atmosphere of the school is changed. Students can read on their own, read with others and read for others. Consequently, student’s performance is enhanced in areas like vocabulary development, creative writing, comprehension and their communication skills are also improved. This result in having a more focused school population.
The book "The Dragon Can't Dance" by the famous Trinidadian author Earl Lovelace, was a work of art. The author had a unique way of bringing the story to life. With the use of metaphor's, humour, analogies, personification and fantastic descriptive writing, Mr. Lovelace effortlessly showed the life of the people who lived in Laventille and how they survived regardless of
ReplyDeletepoverty,filth and stigmatisation. It was also simple for the reader to compare and understand the society of Laventille then and now. Regrdless of their trials, however, Carnival and Calypso seamlessly transformed the people of this destitute community.
In today's society as teachers, we encounter students from varying backgrounds. Understanding this creates a need for us as educators to explore the different strategies that can be employed inorder to motivate and stimulate our students to participate and eventually learn.
The prologue of the Novel “The dragon can’t dance” by Earl Lovelace, created a setting so real, it allowed the reader to have a vivid picture of what life in Lavantille is like.
ReplyDeleteHis description of “The Hill” speaks of the harsh life these people have come to know, “Calvary Hill, where sun set on starvation and rise on potholed roads.” “Laughter is not laughter; it is a groan coming from the bosom of these houses-no-not houses, shacks…” and accept life like a sentence handed down on criminals. “children imitating the grown-up laughter and big man pose of their elders, who survive here, holding their poverty as a possession, tending it stubbornly…”
The author also shows another side of the Lavantillian when he talks about Carnival. It’s a time when the hill comes alive, when young men abandon street corners, deserting their battlefield and territory in exchange for the steelband tent which becomes their cathedral where they become one with the music that is their life and soul. And then the Calypso, it’s the rhythm that over powers all the negatives of the hill and causes the natives to dance in response to all their adversities.
It's real life situation in which any reader can grasp the story, laventille today remained unchanged. The dragon can't dance written by Earl Lovelace, in the prelude of this book different themes have been encountered such as poverty, humour and culture( stray dogs and malnourished children, tartan a man who says he is Christ, carnival, calypso)
ReplyDeleteAll these situation is present in schools today
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ReplyDeleteThe use of humour, fiction, personification and descriptive writing was well done and executed by Mr. Earl Lovelace. Mr. Lovelace brought to life the peoples' characters. The novel "The Dragon Cant Dance" gave me a better understanding of the people who survived despite of their poverty, trials, stigma and tribulation.
ReplyDeleteWhile reading i also realised the picture which was in my mind of Laventille has not changed up to this present time. However I am now forced to use these difficult challenges that I may be faced with and find alternative mean and measure to eradicating them with positive aspects of learning in my students.
What an extraordinary book. Earl Lovelace's book "The Dragon Can't Dance" gives the reader a clear mental picture of life in Lavent Hill. The prelude of this book depicts poverty and love and respect for ones culture in a humourous way. It shows the power that "Carnival" has over the people of "the hill". Cranival makes grown men abandon street corners to become "preists" in pan tents and makes others change their whole disposition. As a teacher it would be helpful to find out what motivates students to be a part of something much bigger than themselves and use it my teaching strattigies.
ReplyDeleteThe book ‘The Dragon Can’t Dance’ by Earl Lovelace is one that don't have the "get me off the sheft" look. In the prologue the writer used a bit of humour to captured his readers which gave you encouragement to read on. The writer used different themes and tones to describe the extent of poverty that was faced by the people on the Hill. The writer was very descriptive in his writing so I was able to visualise the story that was being told. This has made me realise that the life have not change at all in Laventille.
ReplyDeleteThe writer spoke about the life that carnival brought to Calvary hill, the young men getting off the streets to play the steel drums and the blasting of the music from houses. This time of the year is where the people on the hill forget about all their problems and adopt a carefree, don't care mentality.
At a first glance, I would not have purchased this book on my own. When I was told to get a copy of the novel “The Dragon Can’t Dance” by Earl Lovelace, a local journalist, I was nowhere near thrilled. However, after reading the prelude of this book, I found myself deeply engrossed in it. Mr. Lovelace’s skillful use of our local dialect, metaphors and similes gives a painful but clearer picture of these people mere existence. The hill, Calvary Hill, is described as a slum village. The people there dwelled in shacks and struggled to survive. The governor plum tree never had a chance to bear ripened fruit as this was the main provider of food to many. Despite the poverty, the starvation, the malnutrition pets, deplorable living conditions and the depressing atmosphere that these people have come to know and accept, Carnival brings the hill to life. It is the only time when they joined as one and literally “danced away their problems”. Although the book was published in 1979, Lavantille, then and now, somehow managed to remain unchanged.
ReplyDeleteAs aspiring teachers we must be open-minded that poverty still exists and we may meet affected charges at some point in our career. All individuals deserve a fair chance in life, despite their background. Teachers need to understand this and work accordingly and also discover what motivates their students individually and aim to making them confident and successful.
"The Dragon Can't Dance"...definitely not a book to be judged by its cover.One attention was grasp when heard the language and use of metaphors and similes that was well expressed in this book. It is amazing to see that this lifestyle is still prominent in Laventille though this book was written and publish in 1979.
ReplyDeleteThe author clearly depict that there was something about "The Hill" and wanted any reader to zoom in on what exactly took place and the life which was lived on this "Hill". Mr. Lovelace spoke about poverty which was rampant in the area. When he describe the stray dogs that you could play banjo on their rib bones, shacks that stood fragile like kite paper and children who were hard like whips with their yellowed eyes filled with malnutrition.
One was filled so many emotions whilst reading as this lifestyle still exists today. As an educator, one ought to take into consideration the many lifestyles we are face with by children on a daily basis and to treat with each child accordingly, not scorning or accepting certain children based on their backgrounds. We as educators have a great responsibility in helping these "Hilly" children change and develop better morals.
Hats off to you Mr. Lovelace….
"The Dragon Can't Dace Book"by Earl Lovelace at first: hearing of this book I thought it was based on a Japanes or Chines figure.Not even thinking that it belonged to one of our very own, breed from the native soil of Trinidad and Tobago. The apprance of this book would't encourage anyone to read of it. But as a old saying "do not judgenthe book by it's cover" and I got caught by it.
ReplyDeleteThe writer in this book stated the difficulties that was faced with in life in the early 70's in the community of Laventille and the many lifestyles. He wanted the readers to see thems selves or imagine you being in the shoes of the hunger thirst,and poverty line of life in that village.
This way of living still exsist in the society today and is rampantly increasing. To me as a person going into teaching wanting to educate the young ones. We all need to take in mind the different life styles being faced with today when dealing with the youths of the future comingm from different cultures and family back groundsbandnknowmhow to deal and manage with them.It is my duty to aid these children whom may be born and breed in situations like these as thoughs coming from the "Hills" of Laventille.
I must say that I am truly impressed with the scholarly replied given by all students. I am particularly pleased with your ability to use the book and its language as reference to bring to life the themes of the story; and the impact they have on education.
ReplyDeleteThis book clearly illustrates how the socio-economic and cultural milieu of a learning environment can impact negatively; or positively on the educational and social status of the individuals that subsist there.
The Dragon Can't Dance is an astonishing book written by Earl Lovelace. The story was written based on a set in a slum of
ReplyDeletePort-of-Spain called "The Hills". The Hills portrays a way of life that consists of struggles and strides , these are qualities of the lower class society of Trinidad and Tobago . Its kind of amazing to see that even though they endure hardship there is no room for betterment in their lives .I think the book was well assembled making it essential for readers of all kind .
The Dragon Can't Dance by Earl Lovelace is a book I would not have bought or even read on my own. The Languages used by the author made me aware of the different ways someone can express themselves. This book is about the culture and everyday life of individuals in Laventille and their love and participation in Carnival by masquerading and the playing of the steel pan. Behind this rich culture and participation in this festival called "Carnival", Laventille faced a major problem. Poverty roamed in this village or as the writer called it the "Hill"
ReplyDeleteThe author showed how these people suffered by using different phrases and sentences, for example- laughter is not laughter, the sun sets on starvation and rise on pot holes and also a tree bearing fruits that never ripens. All these showed the pain and suffering the individuals was going through. I have not yet completed the book but I am looking forward to a great finish.
The Dragon Can't Dance by Earl Lovelace is a book I thought was about the Japanese or Chines figure.When I then heard the first story in the book I got to realize that it was mainly about our culture and life as we think we know it to be. This book shows how hard life is when born or living in Laventille. Laventille is a village where poverty rains or as the writer called it the "Hill".
ReplyDeleteHe writer uses many phrases to show the pain and struggles these people of Laventille had to encounter as each day goes by.He also talks about Carnival.The time when the hill comes alive,the young men abandon street corners,battlefield and territory in exchange for the steelband tent in which they became one with the music which is their life and soul.The Calypso then aid as the rhythm that over powers all the negatives of the hill and causes them to dance in response to all their struggles they have to go thought daily. Reading this book so far is very interesting and I cant wait to finish it as it teaches me so many things that could aid in life today.
In the Prologue of the book "The Dragon Can't Dance", Mr. Earl Lovelace skillfully allowed his readers to envision the poverty stricken Calvary Hill. He spoke about poverty, prostitution, gangs, calypso carnival and the livelihood of the residents. Poverty and Carnival stood out for me the most."This is the hill, Calvary Hill, where the sun set on starvation and rise on potholed roads, thrones for stray dogs that you could play banjo on their rib bones..... laughter is not laughter: it is a groan coming from the bosom of these house, no- not houses shacks that leap out of the red dirt and stone, thin like smoke, fragile like kite paper, balancing on their rickety pillars as broomsticks on the edge of a juggler's nose." He continued to stress on the poverty life further. He also wrote about Ms. Olive seven. "The tree bearing fruit that was unable to ripen due to neighboring children;"...lean and hard like whips, their wise yellowed eyes filled with malnutrition." these are the evidence written by Mr. Lovelace that convinced me that Calvary Hill is a poverty stricken area. It had touched me so much because these facts still exist in society today. Nothing has changed. Calvary Hill is still the same as yester year. The prologue also spoke about Carnival." carnival it is that spring this hill alive." after the Christmas season the men will carried their rubber tip sticks peeping out of their back pockets. They anxiously turn up the hill to the steel band tent to assemble before steel drums cut to various length and fashioned to give out the different tones. These suggest that the only happy times that the people of Calvary Hill have is when the season of carnival comes alive.
ReplyDeleteThese two themes can help me better the school ethos, because i understand that there are students and parents who are or who have been experiencing the same as "Calvary Hill." it has enabled me to come up with creative ways to deal with these real life situations in guiding these students and parents away from Poverty and ensuring them that there is room for improvement and each and every unique situation can be dealt with.
This book, "The Dragon Can’t Dance", would not have been a book I would have purchase at first sight. However after reading this book it seemed quite interesting and left me wanting for more. In the prologue of the book “The Dragon Can’t dance”, written by Mr. Earl Lovelace, many themes were emphasized as he used strong similes and metaphors throughout his writing. Mr. Lovelace was also able to display real life scenarios at the beginning of the prologue as he showed the actual behaviors and attitudes of the people who was living on the hill. Mr. Lovelace however, exhibited humor at the beginning of his story when Taffy, a man who says he is Christ, puts himself up on a cross one day and get vex with his followers "when they start to stone him". He cursed them saying, "Let every sinner man bear his own blasted burden; who is I to die for people who ain't have sense enough to know that they can't pelt a man with big stones when so much little pebbles lying on the ground."
ReplyDeleteHe also talked about the poverty, where he spoke about how the children were lean and hard like whips with their yellowed eyes filled with malnutrition, also he describe the stray dogs that you could play banjo on their rib bones and shacks that stood fragile like kite paper .
Mr. Lovelace talked about how the people enjoyed Carnival as it was their time to come alive since it brought rhythm to the Hill. He also talked about the young men who got off street corners with pan sticks in back pockets heading to pan tents, radios turned on full blast playing calypso music while children skip and dance to the songs being played. He stated that Carnival and the rhythm that it brings allow these people to feel free, to throw their hands in the air and rejoice through dance. Therefore, he stressed on the people of the hill freedom and culture. "Dance to the hurt! If you catching hell, dance, and the government don't care, dance!...Dance! Dance! Dance!"
This book has impacted on me in numerous ways. However I can relate to this book because it is life in today’s society as it is still present in our culture. As a prospective teacher, one believes that it can negatively impact on the students and school ethos. It also shows that one, when given the opportunity must incorporate different methods to ensure that the students and school could transform drastically to make todays culture and norms a better tomorrow.
Some persons have not completed the task given. The question that should be answered is "How do the themes in the story inhibit or prevent you the reader, ability to make changes in today's educational systems?"
ReplyDeleteThe dragon Can't Dance, the first time I heard the name of this book, really and truly I thought it was about dancing dragon. But when I read this book, it was about things that is presently taking place in our society.
ReplyDeleteCalvary Hill was a place where starvation was taking place .In that village the people was in great despair. Young teenage girls were pregnant and the Young men were gambling on the block. This is still happening in our society today. During the carnival season both young and old were able to sing and dance their worries and trouble away which was part of their culture. The writer was able to depict the actual lifestyle of the people which lived in Laventil .As an educator one must not think about oneself or a particular race, culture or religion they belong .We the teacher need to help motivate the youths of tomorrow.
This book has depicted the true image of the hills for today, apparently it has more meaning now; than when it was first published. The Dragon Can’t Dance by Earl Lovelace is a book that outlines the poverty the people of Calvary Hill face for decades. The people seem to be somewhat comfortable with their social status. The writer articulately speak or their starvation, the physical structure of their houses and how innocence was in the womb, since children learned to imitate grown up in their tender age. the metaphoric use of the writer painted clear pictures to those of whom had an imaginary Being.
ReplyDeleteThe writer talked of Miss Cleothilda. How the people showed their appreciation for the steel pan at carnival time by deserting their battlefield and territory to go to the steelband tent, where they waited patiently all year just to take their pan stick from their back pocket. The writer also highlighted the villager's appreciation for calypso by all age groups.
Therefore teachers are force to know their students cultural and social historic background. This could better assist, teachers to understand student’s behaviour and the influences of their behaviour. Finally the understandings of student’s behaviour can easily assisted teachers in dealing with the student to bring about success.
Having read the prologue of the novel 'The Dragon Can't Dance' by Earl Lovelace, it had appeared that Laventille yesterday and today is the same. The people and the situations in which they face remain unchanged. The writer was able to describe such circumstances through the use of satiric and idiomatic languages. In addition, metaphors were used which gave life to the story.
ReplyDeleteIt is in my belief that an attitude which is negative along with poverty will impact the school's culture and ethos negatively. for this reason, the teacher in today's society ought to accept this as a challenge and build the moral values and model the behaviour in which is acceptable by society. This will in turn, have a postive effect on society.
"The Dragon Can't dance!" My initial reaction to the book's title was what utter nonsense.A dragon does not dance anyway.However due to the incessant demand of the course's tutor to interpret several of the book's chapters,I decided to delve into the book.I must say it was an exhilarating experiences captivating the mind as I read along. The book is filled with as much excitement and laughter as it is with sadness.I was impressed with the writer's use of metaphor's and similes,which aided in painting a mental image of life on the hill many years ago.Several examples were used to juxtapose the high spirit of "Laventillians" despite the existence of poverty.
ReplyDeleteAfter reading the prelude to the book, "The Dragon can't Dance", by Earl Lovelace, I found the author's writing was brisk, ironic and relentlessly imaginative. It was a very engaging read. Though the book depicts poverty and helplessness, the writing still manages to be humourous. As if to suggest that even though the people of the hill are faced with so many so ills, they still manage to make light of their situation. They still manage to make fun of Taffy, to anticipate the arrival of Carnival and to drink rum and celebrate life. The writer is able to transport the reader to those red dirt streets, with houses balancing on rickety pillars, so effective is his writing style. And though I had read this book once before, I still found it to be very engaging. As educators, we should recognise each child as an individual and treat them as such. Children from different socio-economic backgrounds are often stigmatised, not only by their peers, but at times by teachers. In knowing a child the educator should be better equipped to relate to that child. Being born into poverty has not hindered many citizens from the hills from making valuable and lasting contributions to this country.
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