I Tried to be Funny (CRR)

 The main theme of The Lottery is the gamble of life and death, how everyone hopes to not be chosen. The villagers in the town of The Lottery draw pieces of paper from a black box, taking chances in hope of avoiding the slip with the black dot. It's a very nervous affair and people are always hesitant about the slip they take. It is tradition for the villagers to enter the Lottery, then stone whoever draws the marked slip to death, in their own little version of Russian Roulette. This tradition is seemingly part of their religion, and to defy the Lottery is an act of blasphemy. Their lives are based on Chance whenever the time comes about.

The meme is connected to the story because it shows the reactions of drawing both a blank slip and the marked slip, or telling that even the villagers view the Lottery as a game of chance.. Those who weren't chosen in the final draw had reactions such as "...both beamed and laughed, turning around to the crowd and holding their slips of paper above their heads." Nancy and Bill Jr. were relieved they hadn't drawn the chosen paper, they had taken a chance and cone out on top. However when one of the villagers was selected for the stoning, she began claiming that the Lottery is a messed up idea, "'It isn't fair, it isn't right,' Mrs. Hutchinson screamed, and then they were upon her." The villagers all plainly know it is all based upon chance, first shown in "Mrs. Hutchinson yelled. 'Make them take their chance!'" Each villager felt it right as long as everyone took a fair draw. Together this shows that the main theme of the story is that life, and The Lottery is based upon a twisted Russian Roulette, draw the marked item and you're done for.

The Magic of Howls Moving Castle (CRR)

I want to talk about one of the best movie in my opinion. Although other movies are up on its level, nothing can truly relate to Howls Moving Castle. It was made by Studio Ghibli and has amazing animations. Howls Moving Castle was released in 2004 and has a large fan base, even though it is not the most popular of the movies produced by the studio. The movie was based off of an book by Dianna Jones. I have the book and I have to say it is one of my favourite reads.

"You are a terror, aren't you? Leave this yard alone. I know just where everything is in it, and I won't be able to find the things I need for my transport spells if you tidy them up.'
So there was probably a bundle of souls or a box of chewed hearts somewhere out here, Sophie thought. She felt really thwarted. ‘Tidying up is what I’m here for!’ she shouted at Howl. ‘Then you must think of a new meaning for your life,’ Howl said.” Dianna Wynne Jones- Howls Moving Castle

The main characters name is Sophie and she is the eldest of three. Sophie is working in the hat shop her father owned until he died while her sisters go to a bakery and the other becomes a witch’s apprentice. Howls Moving Castle has an entertaining story line and the audience gets really attached to Howl and Sophie. Sophie gets cursed into the form of an old women who can't tell anyone she's cursed. So she ventures out of town into the fields beyond it until she finds Wizard Howls moving castle. After entering and seeing the state of disrepair Howl lives in, Sophie takes it upon herself to be the house maid. As the movie goes along you see the difficulties of Howls multiple "images" that change for each town. Howls Moving Castle has characters that range from a fire demon named Calcifer, to a scarecrow with a turnip head, even a wizard who will create slime when he's upset (but that’s only because his hair is messed up, the horror!)!

Part of it is magical and awe-inspiring while other parts pile on suspense. In the end, you'll want to read the book, watch the movie three more times and curse people with the hope that all their bacon will burn. At least that's what happened to me and my parents have simply gotten used to it. Sophie and Howl are characters with unique personalities and the quarrels they have can be amusing to no end. Quotes to use in life are plentiful, with a variety of uses. Howls Moving Castle will capture your imagination and add a sense of magic to life.

The first time I watched Howls Moving Castle; I was about five and was spending the night at my grandparent’s house. It was playing on Cartoon Network and I convinced my grandma not only to record it, but to stay up and watch the whole movie. I vividly remember the sight of the castle moving across the screen and Howl walking with Sophie through the air. The next day or so was spent braiding my hair to imitate Sophie, trying to see if the fireplace also had a demon, and watching the movie with the fascination only a child can muster. Then one day sister came home with the movie on disc and that meant I just had to force my sister to watch it with me of course. As time passed the disc was lost and I moved onto greener pastures in the entertainment genre. But then on a cloudy day when I was about 11, I found the movie on Netflix! My interest sparked once more, causing me to delve deeper into the wonderful animations of Studio Ghibli. Ponyo, The Grave of the Fireflies, and more were all introduced to me just by Howls Moving Castle. The wonder it inspired has stuck with me even now! From 5 to 13 almost 14, that just goes to show how much of an effect things will have on children.