If I Stay, by Gayle Forman, is a fiction novel about a girl-- Mia-- who gets in a tragic car accident and looses her family because of it. Currently in the novel she is in a coma, however, she can still think and see as if she were awake and normal. So far, the most important line in this novel is when Mia realizes that it's up to her whether she lives or dies. She is thinking, "I decide. I know this now. And it terrifies me more than anything else that has happened today" (Forman 88). This line perfectly displays the main conflict in the story, which is person vs. self. Mia has to decide if she wants to wake up from her coma and live or just give up and die.
As the reader, I never completely contemplated how Mia was feeling about everything that had happened. I don't think she quite knew either. Think about it... just a normal day for one second, and then the next second your parents have died, your brother is dying, and you don't even know exactly how you are. There was confusion that Mia was having right after the text. She thought at first it was a dream, it just didn't seem real to her. That's why I wasn't exactly sure how she was feeling about the whole scene. Did she really know what was going on as well as the outcome of it?
Therefore, when the line on page 88 was said, I knew, and Mia knew, exactly what was happening. It really clicked with her what was going on and what she had to do about it... decide. This is the scary truth of what Mia has to do-- decide if she will end her life or not. In conclusion, when Mia realizes that she has to decide whether she will live or die, it is an extremely important part of the text. It is the point where Mia understands everything that has happened and the possible outcomes of it. Also, it shows the conflict (person vs self). Lastly, it gives a preview of what will happen in the rest of the story (Mia will decide).
I really liked the fact that you decided to describe the conflict woven in the story, which is person vs self. I also really enjoyed knowing the emotions you have felt throughout the novel so far. Plus, I really liked how you asked questions. They all made me think... especially since I have read If I Stay before.
ReplyDeleteI really liked how you gave a brief summary of what's happening in the story for people who haven't read the book or seen the movie yet. I also really liked how you went on to describe the main conflict within the story, person vs. self. By doing this, you gave your insight to the text which allowed me to get a better feel for the main character. Lastly, I thought your use of a question at the end of the second paragraph was a great idea because it made me want to answer it.
ReplyDeleteI've been planning to read the book, so thank you for not spoiling anything. I really liked how you explained the conflict by using the quote. It clearly sets the stage for the rest of the book. A question that I have is that why would she want to give up and die? Even though her parents are dead it doesn't seem that her life before the car crash was so bad. I'm basing this off of the movie trailer so I don't know if it was different in the book.
ReplyDeletethanks for summarizing the book. Every one has been talking about it lately and i really have had no clue whats it's about. the conflict you described sounds really interesting. after hearing the plot and what its about and the interesting conflict in the book, i really want to read it. thanks for introducing it to me!
ReplyDeleteThis book sounds amazing heard great reviews about it and I am really looking forward to reading this book. You did a great job of summarizing it and now I want to read it even more. Keep it up!
ReplyDeleteI love the conflict aspect in this novel and I think you did a great job of depicting it. I can't wait to read you next blog!
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