Sunday, April 10, 2011
The Best Day Ever :0
I know a lot of people will probably disagree with this but I really, for lack of even better words, do not care at all. I have decidedly chosen that Junior's "best day ever" served as without a doubt the day that the Destroyer of the World's hit the earth, causing what was most likely mass destruction and panic. After all, the voice in Junior's head notes that "all of [them] feel everything" (302). The voice indirectly characterizes Junior's feelings, also subtly hinting that indeed this is what Junior wanted in this life that he literally wished for. However, Junior's closeness to his family is not the only reason as to why it is his best day ever. Junior has finally realized that "everything ends, and everything matters" (292). This juxtaposes Juniors prior trains of thought in which he could not come to terms with the Destroyer of World's. The juxtaposition indirectly characterizes that he has finally learned how to face the Destroyer of World's, prompting a tone of togetherness, proving only further that today really is his best day ever. Also, in his final moments, Junior no longer sees "visions that make Hiroshima look like a cherry bomb" and instead he sees the Destroyer of the World as a magical entity that has brought him closer to his family than he ever imagined. The simile greatly juxtaposes Junior's current vision of the Destroyer of World's as it comes toward the earth. The juxtaposition creates a content tone, as Junior feels fulfilled after living two separate lives. One brought safety to earth, with the drawback of personal abuse and anguish. While one allowed Junior personal freedom and pleasure, with the drawback of earth's destruction. However, Junior chose the second life after all and knew what he was getting into. So clearly, why not make his last day the best one of them all? I even believe that Dom said, "It never does get to zero," referring to the countdown on the side. This is true, and if zero is nothing, or extinction, no one can actually know what exactly happened after the meteor hit. And if Junior lived, it truly would have been the best day ever!
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I actually think you are right about Junior's last day, we are often taught to view death as something scary and horrific, but for Junior it brings peace. His experience reminds me of AP English, I was always told how impossible it was and was genuinely frightened the whole summmer before Junior year. But when I actually started the class, I realized that although it was hard, I felt like I was doing something worthwhile, instead of just busy work, and that was gratifying. Junior's experience emphasizes the importance of not allowing yoursself to be overcome by fear of something you have no experience with.
ReplyDeleteI also agree with you Henry. I think that in the end, Junior appears happier than he has ever been as he sits with those he loves. He finally realizes that his loved ones matter more than anything else. Although, I would argue that his best day also could have been the day Ruby finally connected with him. Without her love in return, I do not think Junior could ever have found true happiness.
ReplyDeleteHenry! First of all great blog post. I completely agree that Junior's best day was ironically his last day of existence. I felt that Junior did not find true happiness until his last few moments cuddled up with his family. The lasting image I have of Junior is one of a man who finally figured out what mattered in life even though it took him two lives to do so.
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