Going Deeper
The quote used to open the novel is by the famous author Henry David Thoreau:
"What lies before us and what lies behind us are small matters when compared with what lies within us. And when we bring what is within out into the world, miracles happen."
To what extent is this quote relevant to the novel's story, and your understanding of it?
"What lies before us and what lies behind us are small matters when compared with what lies within us. And when we bring what is within out into the world, miracles happen."
To what extent is this quote relevant to the novel's story, and your understanding of it?
posted by Mr. Sylvan at
6:19 PM
5 Comments:
This quote means that the things that have happened in our past and the things that we will soon confront aren’t as bad as things that we store up inside and keep to our self without talking to a friend or peer. When we talk about the things that we usually keep to our self you can move on from those burdens and move on with our life helping miracles and great things to happen with your life. This quote is relevant to the book because when the characters talk about their burdens with each other they can move on with their life and be happier.
By
OLLIE, at 2:10 PM
Yes, I agree with Ollie about this one. The quote is saying that what is inside each person is much more powerful than something in their past or future. When we can get those things out there and talk about then to try and get over the problems we can move on and do good things. This quote is relevant to the book because it says how Tom Leyton has burdens and problems inside and it keeps him to scared to leave his house. Joseph begins to talk to him about these problems and he begins to come out of his shell a bit. Before his death he shows signs that he may be moving on from his problems.
By
Dom, at 2:29 PM
I agree with both the boys. What has happened in the past, we cannot change and is not that big of a deal. Also what to come in life we should not think about too much and get worked up. But the problems inside our body control our mood and everyday life. It’s only until we speak about them to someone that we start to get over them.
Tom has deep problems within him and is not doing much in his like and is scared to leave his house because of it. It’s only when Joseph comes to speak to tom that he starts making progress with moving on.
By
The Sam, at 10:00 PM
Yes, i agree with all of the current comments.
Once you realise that you cant change the past and that you understand that learning from what you believe could have been done better, is the best outcome and you can then move on in life. We will all face problems, some more serious than others but the best way to relieve the stress of them hanging over your shoulders is to tell someone that you know can support you and help you get over the past or present problems you have.
As we see during the book how Tom Leyton gets his burdens hanging over him for many years away by talking about it to Joseph. We see signs that Tom started to move on before his death.
By
RoB DiGiTy, at 11:39 PM
I believe 'ollie', 'dom', 'the sam' and 'rob digity' have got the answer to this question spot on and I don't think any more needs to be said so I will just try to summarize all of their valid points already mentioned.
What the quote means is that no good occurs when we bottle everything up inside us and never let it out, because no one will ever hear your thoughts. As we now know "what is inside each person is much more powerful than something in their past.." so by trying to get it out there you can become a better person and miracles can happen. These miracles can only occur, however, if "we speak about them to someone".
Tom and Joseph talk and this helps both of them because they are releasing their "burdens" and moving on due to both characters "coming out of their shells".
Both characters made major progress and it was unfortunate their relationship was cut short because of Tom's death.
By
Dylan, at 7:39 PM
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