ASSIGNMENT

Assignment--finish the novel for Friday night posts. There will be no responses required on the final posts.

Hall Response 4

Lenna, your point was great. I had not even thought about that aspect. Your answer opened up my view about the wind. I really enjoyed reading your side. Great post.

Hall Response 3

Kenny, The way you explained juan necer really being free really hit home with me. Besides his early childhood, he was never really free. It would make sense for him to confide in the meories of that.

Gowing Repsonse 4

Kenny, I really like your interpretation of the dream. I hadn't thought about his past as being his only real sense of freedom. It really made me think about the signifacance of his past alot more, and also helped me understand the dream.

Gowing Repsonse 3

Lenna, I disagree with your response to Hayes's post. In the dream he says that he could always rely on the wind to be there. I think that this is true. The wind may change, somtimes stonger, sometimes weaker, but its always there. Its his one constant to remind him of his past and to give him hope. Even after the hurricane, he still had the wind to hold on to.

Adams Response 4

Thomas I like your thoughts on the dream. The comparison between Juan's freedom and his father is a great one. But, unlike what you said, Juan doesn't have much of a choice to stop sailing. He can't go back he just has to keep going until he dies or gets to land.

Adams Response 3

Greg, I like how you put your idea about the dream. I think the dream showing uncertainty is a great point. I also have to disagree with Greg and agree with Paul about Juan being uncertain about his dad being alive. I think that he knows his dad is dead but is hoping with all his life he isn't.

Chapman Response 4

Thomas, I agree with your post. Juan had might have had a hard time coping with his father’s death/disappearance. Juan might have also longed to one day see his father again, although that would have been impossible. When Juan dreams about his father or his past, I think it might give him confidence to keep moving on and finishing what he has started.

Chapman Response 3

Tommy, I agree with most of your post. Although, I think that rather than Juan’s dream being a reminder of his troubled past, maybe it’s something to calm and to sooth him as he is crossing the ocean. However, I do agree with the fact that Juan might have been lonely in his childhood and where he is currently.

Ajello Responce 3 ( to paul)

Paul, It was a good point that Juan would not accept that his father was dead, and how Raul is still with him. Juan does not want to give up the fact that he is all alone in the middle of the ocean. I did not realize this at first, but you pointed it out.

Ajello responce 4 (to chris)

Chris, I really agree with your comment about "going" to meet his father. It was a good point I had forgotten about his father, and it would make sense for him to be dreaming of meeting his father. It was also a good that his life was flashing before his eyes, hes all alone in the middle of the ocean with 2 of his friends dead who wouldn't think that their chances were grim.

Weaver response 3

Elizabeth, I agree with your idea of Juan knowing in his mind that he was going to die, and he wasn't fighting it. Instead of focusing on what he was sure to come, he went back to a childhood memory that somewhat soothed and reminded him about what it was like. He wanted to remember his father, and also to remember some enjoyment that he had when he was a child, such as climbing the tree, watching the sugarcane in the fields move and sway with the wind. He was preparing for what he knew was going to happen to him, death.

Weaver response 2

Adam, i somewhat agree and disagree with your idea. The tree, wind, and scenery was very soothing and relaxing. Also he was in a lot of pain and suffering on the inner tube due to jelly fish and the sun. If you think about it, the actual dream itself wasn't very calming. The reason he climbed the tree was because he was waiting for his father, who had been killed, so I'm sure that that dream brought up unpleasent thoughts about his father also. So physically he was being soothed, but mentally he was thinking about his father.

Lyles response 4

To Paul:
I do not agree 100 percent with what you said about Juan being lonely. Yes, he is out in the middle of the ocean by himself which would make anyone lonely but I think on page 92 when it says "he was not truly lonely as long as someone cared for him" that is true. Juan knew or hoped Carmen cared about him which made him a little less lonely. I mean if I was out in the middle of the ocean I would be lonely but knowing someone is caring about me would give me the feeling of them being with me.

Weaver response 1

Caitlen, i also strongly agree with your post. The way you described everything the authhor included about the nature of the dreama and what he was seeing and doing is very insightful. You looked very closely into the dream and all of the possible things it could have meant to Juan.

Lyles Response 3

To Caitlin:
I agree with your post. I love how you talked Juan is the wind and Carmen is the water I never really thought of that. When I read "The wind stoked the water the way a man caresses a woman," I just passed over it like it meant nothing.

rodrigues response 4- to Samantha

Samantha, i think you have a really interesting way of look at the dream. Maybe the flying in the dream wasn't so much freedom, but a symbol of Juan's uncertainty in this new place. After all, I'm sure flying was a little bit out of his comfort zone, just like his new life will be.

rodrigues response 3-to hayes

Hayes, I disagree with what you were saying about the wind. The reason why Juan recalls that the only thing he could trust was the wind was simply because he'd only known the wind to be gentle in his past.That was the simple view of his childhood. Now, after surviving the hurricane, he has and entirely different perspective on it. It changed his beliefs on the wind completely.

Johnston Response 4

In response to Paul's response to my post: I mostly agree with what you said, but I think that just because Juan was desperate when he was looking for his father whom he was told was dead does not mean that he was still not a bit uncertain. Maybe he knew it in his brain, but he still couldn't fully accept it in a different way, and in that way, he was still slightly uncertain and maybe confused. You had a good point, though.

Sowell Response 4

Kenny, I agree with what you said about freedom. Even though your body doesn't get any physical use during your dreams, your mental thoughts are endless. You made a good point that in his dream he was thinking of freedom.

Sowell Response 3

Hayes, I strongly agree with you. After reading your post and the quote from the book, I noticed that you were right. You really can't trust anything in this world 100% except the wind. Everything in the story was changing, not to mention the hurricane.

Johnston Response 3

To Tommy: I agree with everything you said in your post. You brought up a couple of good points that all made sense, and I especially liked your statement near the beginning that "he dreams of a major part of [his childhood] because he shares the loneliness right now on this raft that he had many years ago after his father died.

Choi Response 4

To Adam's post:

Adam, I agree with your post. To add to your point, on page 91, it says that the pain would not let him sleep, and when he was awake, he could only think about death. However, in his dream, he could relax and escape the reality of his foreboding death.

Choi Response 3

To Greg's post:

I agree with most of what you said, Greg. He is uncertain about almost everything in his journey right now. However, I disagree with him being uncertain about his father after his mother told him he had been killed. You said that part of him wanted to believe his father was still alive, which seems to me more like a sign of desperate hope than uncertainty.

Schumacher Post 2

The reason Juan has this dream is that he is experiencing subconscious restlessness. This long journey is very stressful for him, and in his sleep, he tries to escape that. In the passage from the book, it says "the wind stoked the water the way a man caresses a woman," and this represents his long to see Carmen. He is the wind, and she is the water. The caressing also symbolizes his wish for the water to be calm, and he dreams that only soft ripples disturb the surface. He misses his friends, who were lost in the ocean, and he flies over the water to look for them. This gentle dream helps him to calm down, but he wakes up too soon, meaning even in his deep sleep, as he tries to escape his troubles, the reality of his situation forces him to wake up, and face the pain again.

Hall Post 2

I believe that Juan begins to dream about what he does for a specific reason. He is trying to escape the grasps of death. While awake, he is in constant pain. On page 82 he describes his discomforts. He has been stung by jellyfish, his face is puffed up and oozed bloody pus, and every time he moves the blistering hot inner tube burns his skin. In his dream, he imagines pleasant thoughts. Juan remembers his childhood which was also a good time. He talks about the sugarcane and how the wind stroked it. It created a change in colors from green to blue. The colors were peaceful to him. He then describes the framboyan tree. The tree is broad and smooth. The day was cool and comforting. All the words he uses are soothing. I think the whole point of the dream was to allow him to be happy for awhile.

Gowing Post 2

I think that the significance of Juan’s dream is to show a sense of change that will happen and has already happened. Juan feel’s like the wind, continuously flowing from where he first started off. Where ever he ends up in Florida will be nothing like his old home in Cuba, and the dream is warning him about this. Also, it shows an emotional change. Juan has left his entire past behind him in Cuba. This is changing him as a person. The trip is making him think more about who he his and what he has to lose. The dream points out to him that although he has lost so much, there is still much more to be gained. It signifies his growth into a stronger person.

Lane post 2

I think the significance of Jaun Cabrera's dream is his mind's preperation for death. He is confident in the fact that he is going to die alone in the ocean, he just isn't sure when. it says on page 92 "He was not sad about death and he was not frightened." At this point in the story Juan is ready for death, in fact, he thinks that it has already begun. Jaun's father was killed when Juan was just a young boy. in his dream he goes back to the fields of sugarcane where he used to wait for his father to return home. I think this is this mind preparing him for death. he is imagining meeting with his father in the fields of his childhood.

Weaver Post 2

I think the significance of Juan Cabrera's dream was to help us get to know him better. The author incorporated a special time in Juan's childhood in a very interesting way. Knowing what came of his father when he stayed, gave Juan a sort of courage to get to Florida. In the dream, he doesn't argue with his mother when she tells him that his father has been killed, instead he returns to the framboyan tree every afternoon. He isn't necessarily determined that his father will return, but after awhile he realizes that his father really isn't coming back. By then it is already a habit for him to go to the framboyan tree, so he doesn't stop. Instead of clibing the tree to look for his long lost father, he climbs it for the sheer enjoyment of the wind caressing his face. (Page 93, last paragraph)

Sriram Post 2

When Juan is dreaming about flying over the field, I believe it symbolizes the freedom. I also believe it has to deal with some thing about the fact that his father was taken away when Juan was a little boy. Considering the fact that Juan climbed the tree and waited for his dad to come home shows his devotion to his father. Even after his mother had told him that his father was dead, Juan kept on climbing the tree and looking for him. This devotion is also show in Juan's urge for freedom. Even though his friend was shot down by the guards, and even tough Raul was torn up by a shark he still goes on. He might not have such a positive look at the situation, but he is still lucky to still be alive after what he has been through.

Choi Post 2

I think Juan's dream is a reaction to his underlying loneliness. Though it says on page 92 that "he was not truly lonely as long as someone cared for him," it also says on page 93 that he started to climb the framboyán tree after his father was taken from him, and he would search the horizon, waiting for his father to return. Now, as Juan drifts alone in the ocean, he also feels lonely and is in search for his friends who he will not find. He once again feels empty as his recent loss triggers the memory of his father. Also, when his mother had first told him his father had been killed, Juan would continue to climb up the tree in search of his father, unwilling to accept the fact that his father was actually dead. Now, as it says on page 92, he also believes Raúl is still strangely connected to him.

Rodrigues post 2

In the beginning of the dream, he's flying over the fields of sugarcane, and many of the objects in his dream take on human traits. The personification of the wind demonstrates that Juan is knows the wind as a gentle giant, another part of life, as calm and lovely as everything else. He notices the shades of green waving in the wind, green being a sign of life, and the fields extend infinitely in all directions, signifying boundlessness. His flying represents not necessarily freedom, but a different view on life. A birds-eye view, where everything -the future, the present and the past- can be seen from one place, Juan's eyes. This is the perspective of a child, on that is boundless, where loveliness and the future possibilities grow out in all directions, creating the scene he knows as life.

Lyles post 2

In The Lonely Crossing of Juan Cabrera, Juan dreams that he is flying over his family’s old sugarcane fields back in Cuba. Flying in a dream signifies a sense of freedom where you had initially felt restricted and incomplete. When Juan was younger his father was taken away by the uniformed men and killed. Even though Juan’s Mother told Juan his father was dead, everyday he would climb a framboyan tree to see if he could see his father coming over the horizon. Juan is dreaming about flying because he feels incomplete without his father and is hoping this will change when he finds freedom in Miami and sees Carmen. Juan is hoping Carmen will fill the emptiness where his father once was in his life.

Sowell Post 2

I believe that the significance of Juan's dream was for Juan to remember his father. When he was a young boy, on page 93, the book states that his father had been captured, but Juan kept looking for him anyway. After climbing the framboyan trees higher and higher looking for his father, his mother finally told him that the people that had captured his father had killed him. Even though killing Juan's father means that he will never be seen again, he keeps climbing the framboyan trees over and over again looking for him. I think that this shows that Juan's father is like Juan's freedom. Even though Juan may never see the United States, he keeps sailing even after most of his hope is lost. I think that the dream helped Juan realize how determined he could stay after everything fell apart.

Adams Post 2

I think the significance of Juan's dream was to remind him and tell us about his child hood. Since his child hood was very tough and troublesome for him, he dreams of a major part of it because he shares the loneliness right now on this raft that he had many years ago after his father died. It tells of the hope and determination little kids have to see something through. For example when Juan was a kid he climbed that framboyan tree every day (on page 93 begining of paragraph three) to see if his fater was coming back, even after his mother said over and over again that he was dead. This characteristic is still prominent in Juan to this very moment while he is having this dream. He shows hope and determination from the moment he puts in back in Cuba through the hurricane, Rauls death, and Andres' death. Child hood is very important to everyone and is a good characteristic to put in in any book since anyone and everyone loves children. His childhood self cared for his father just as much as the wind every day when he would climb that tree which he now things are somehow mysteriously connected and will tell him something.

Ajello juan cabrera post 2

I think the significance of Juan's dream is to show what true freedom will be like. On page 94 it says that Juan longs for the times when he was a kid. I think that the time he spent as a kid (before the revolution) was one of the only times he felt truly free. Juan is remembering what this was like in hopes that America will be the same. The whole reason he went on this journey was to be free from communists and to have control of his life again. He would not have left for any other reasons except for this one. His dream represents his "longing" to be himself and do be in control of his own life.

Johnston Post 2

I think that Juan's dream is more a sign of uncertainty than anything else. Since it's a dream, it's most likely hazy and unclear, which was probably how Juan felt around the time that he was having the dream. Also, the author talks about how Juan climbed the framboyan tree every day after his father was taken away, and even after his mother told him that his father had been killed, he still climbed the tree every day to see if his father was coming home. Part of him knew that his father was gone, and part of him wanted to believe that he was still alive. In that way, he was uncertain about his father. I believe that all of this reflects on the fact that Juan is uncertain about two things: he doesn't know if he's going to live, and if he does, he is not sure about where he is going to end up at the end of his journey across the ocean.

Burdette-Sapp Post 2

The significance of Juan's dream was to remind him that nothing ever can be counted on to stay the same except for the wind. The wind is important to him because no matter what happened, the wind would always be there to rustle the sugar-cane fields. Juan, because of all that he had been through only could put trust in the wind because everything kept changing. Now that he was on his inner tube in the middle of the ocean the wind helped him calm down, knowing that he could leave his trust in the wind to always be with him. One important line from the book based around the wind in his dream is, "he remembered, as you remember in dreams that the only thing constant and reliable in those days was the wind." This line really helps my point by saying that all that could be trusted was the wind.

Just to make it interesting . . .

I decided to create a third blog so that none of them gets too crowded. It will be open to all of my ninth grade students.

Parron4.blogspot.com

You can check out the question; if you would prefer to post on that one, email me on firstclass asking for an invitation. Each time a post is due, you can post on either. You must respond on the same blog on which you posted, though--I can keep track of only so much!

Manza Post 2

I think that Juan's dream holds the same significance that the phrase " seeing your life flash before your eyes" holds. Juan thinks he is going to die. That may be a blunt way of putting it, but it is a fact. Getting stranded in the middle of the ocean on an inner tube will do that to you.He has a little hope, but he is sure that it is the end. So he is preparing himself for it. His father is dead, and he is dreaming about meeting him. So his subconscious must think that he will see him soon. Not to mention the fact that the book says, and I quote: "Juan knew this was a childhood dream" Page ninety-three line six. It is my opinion that this line further proves my point. Real life is full of triumphs and tragedies and this book is a prime example of this.

Juan Cabrera Post 2

First, I want to say that you are doing a great job with this! I can tell that you are already thinking a bit more critically about the book and, more importantly, about others' judgments.

Now--Post # 2:


What is the significance of Juan's dream? Remember to choose ONE thing and discuss it in detail.

Sriram response 2

Adam, I agree that the fact that the author did use a good amount of foreshadow. It kept me at the edge of my seat. The foreshadow was probably created for suspense like any other author would do. But I think this author does like to leave big detail for foreshadowing, unlike other authors who like to have very small detail.

Sriram response 1

Sarah, I do think you made a very good point about the fact that the hurricane could also effect the Juan and Raul's emotions. The point that the men got weaker emotionally and physically was good. They would feel weak from the pounding waves and the harsh winds. It must have effected their mental self because they might have felt like they were not going to make. Kind of a lost hope feeling for them in the storm. I really agree with your idea.

Chapman Response 2

Paul,
I agree with your post, and I think you did a great job explaining how the author described the hurricane. I agree with the fact that you looked into the animal’s behaviors and elaborated on the subject. Also, I think that having Juan experience a natural disaster was something new.

Chapman Response 1

Thomas,
I agree completely with your post, because I also think Juan and Raul had to go through many hardships as they first started their journey. Also, I agree with the fact that they were devastated by first Andrea’s death, and Juan was devastated by Raul and Andrea’s death.

Burdette-Sapp Response 2

To Kenny's response to Adam's post: I believe that J. Joaquin was not only trying to show the severity and danger of the oncoming hurricane; I think he was also trying to imply that the animals knew what was coming and were prepared, while Juan and Rual had no idea of the hurricane and were not prepared.

Burdette-Sapp Response 1

To Sarah's Post: I think the way you described the hurricane and how it was getting stronger as Juan and Rual got weaker was really interesting. I would have never thought about that unless I read your post.

Ajello post 3 ( to adam)

Adam, you made a really good point motioning what Miami was doing to prepare for the storm, and how even the animals fear the hurricane. This proves that the author was trying to prove to the readers the severity and danger of the approaching storm.

Ajello post 2 (to greg)

I agree with the point you made about why the author describes the hurricane so well. There would be no other reasons then the ones you stated in your first entry. Also your final sentence you made about the men having to be strong willed to make it through the storm was a good point as well.

Sowell Response 2

Sriram,
I agree with what you said about the author having to add some suspense. You can't stay hooked if there is nothing exciting happening. Also, you said something about suspense leading to a conflict. I agree with that also when the hurricane comes after being foreshadowed by the Cuban spirit, at the beginning of the fifth chapter.

Sowell Response 1

Matthew, I agree with what you said about the hurricane foreshadowing the upcoming events. When Fraxedas talks about the Cubans and their spirit, you could guess that there was something about to happen. I also think that the author would have thrown that idea in to show the reader how intense the storms were, saying, "...and the massive masts of Spanish oak would snap like matchsticks."

Hall Response 2

Response to Kenny's Post

The aspect of time was something that was great to point out. It's almost as if their days of peace are numbered. The hurricane encloses on them and builds suspense. I agree completely.

Gowing Response Two

Response to Adam and Paul's response to Caitlin's response to Greg's response to Emma's post.

I see where both of you all are coming from. Yes, there are limited options when men are drifting through sea. The hurricane may have been one of the only really good, suspenseful conflicts the author could have. Of coarse there are much more problems that could arise, but not many would make a well done, descriptive story.
However, I highly doubt that this author, who is obviously a very skilled writer, would have put that in merely for the sake of having nothing else. I think that there are many other reasons to have the thourough description of the hurricane.

Gowing Response One

Sarah, I really like your post. It was really creative and insightful. Instead of something straight forward, you answered the question metaphorically. Unlike most of the other posts, it really got me thinking about deeper meanings. I completely agree with what you said about the hurricane symbolizing the men's emotions. It was interesting and a great way to think about the meanings.

Hall Response 1

Adding onto Paul's response to Caitlin's response to Greg's response to Emma's post.


Paul, I agree with you completely. To add on to your point; Several more things could happen on a voyage to Maiami from Cuba. Some include the raft becoming disfuncuntional, the men going crazy, lack of water and food, and getting blown off course. That is just naming a few.

Choi Response 2

To Tommy's post:

Tommy, I completely agree with your thoughts. All of the events that you mentioned definitely make the reader anticipate what will happen later. I'm not sure if you missed this or it was just a mistake with the page numbers, but on page 31, flocks of terns also fly by with "mournful cries," showing something is wrong.

Choi Response 1

To Caitlin's response to Greg's response to Emma's post:

Caitlin, I disagree with what you said. I think there are many more things that can happen in the ocean, not all of them actually having to be a physical obstacle. Also, a tidal would not only end in drowning; if they survived a hurricane, they could probably survive a tidal wave.

Schumacher Response 2

To Greg's response to Emma's post:

I disagree. You say a lot of things can still happen in the ocean, but I can only think of a handful of things that could be interesting. Fishing, check. Hurricane, check. Shark attack, check. Drowning? Can't do that anymore, with only one character left. Tidal wave? That could only end in drowning, and that's already not going to happen. Perhaps its just that my definition of "a lot" is different then yours.

Manza Response 2( To Paul Choi)

I agree with you here, too. The author is describing something that these men have never encountered before. and when they encountered it, it destroys their possessions. I think that the storm could be an example of the things that happen to people everywhere that causes them to lose hope.

Manza Response 1( To Caitlin Shumacher)

I definitely agree with you on the sense of foreboding and suspense that Fraxedas gives the reader while mentioning to hurricane. And when he showed you the storm's power by describing the destruction it was causing on other islands, he makes you worry even more. This is indeed a good technique.

Adams Response 2

Bennett, you made some good points in your post. I like the statement when you bring up the mudslides, flooding, and destruction of the islands this hurricanes created as it passed over the islands. This truly does show the power of the hurricane and makes you wonder what will happen to Juan and Raul.

Lyles response 2

Thomas I agree with most of what you said, but I do not agree with you on your statement “the hurricane showed the physical half.” Sure a hurricane is a physical thing but I think J. Joaquin Fraxedas was trying to use a hurricane to symbolize the emotions the men were facing or going to face.

Adams Response 1

Hayes i like the part in your post when you talk about how the reader knows what was going to happen but not exactly how it was going to happen. That would make the story alot more interesting. It adds mystery but also kinda pulls you in at the same time.

Johnston Post 3 (Respone to Kenny)

Kenny, I think that you made a really good point when you said that the hurricane was probably used partly to show the passage of time/a race against time. I didn't realize it when I was reading the story, but now that you've said it, it makes a lot of sense.

Lyles response 1

Caitlin I agree that the hurricane could have been in the novel to add suspense. When reading the parts about the hurricane, I too become nervous for Juan and Rual; questioning are they going to make it, is someone going to die or fall over board?

Schumacher Response 1

To Sarah:
I didn't catch the thing you said about the birds flying away from the hurricane. I just read over it without giving it a second thought. I didn't think about the upcoming danger. Thanks for sharing that!

Johnston Post 2 (Response to Emma)

I agree with most of the things that Emma said, except when she mentioned something like "only so many things can happen in the middle of the ocean." I guess it's true that more things can happen on land than on the ocean, but I don't think that the author included the hurricane and tracked its progress with so much detail just because there weren't many other things to include in the story.

Weaver Post 1

I believe that the author, J. Joaquin Fraxedas, is tracking the hurricane's progress and movement for many reasons. He is making sure we, the reader, knows exactly what is going on at all times, and where the hurricane is in reference to the two men, Juan and Raul. He is creating suspense becasue we are all wondering, what will happen next to the two men stranded in the middle of the ocean on two rubber inner tubes facing a huge hurricane. We know that the hurricane is especially dangerous because on page 34, it is describing the damage the hurricane has done on Jamaica, and everything else in its path. Also he is adding in a little history by first explaining on pages 32 and 33 how the hurricanes really affected the early natives of Cuba.

Wakeman Post 1

I think that the author used the hurricane as another conflict in the story for the main characters to have to face. This adds complications to the story that will make the final crossing of Juan that much more meaningful because he survived such a great natural disaster. All main characters in novels go through a journey with complications and conflicts that keep them from getting where they want to go. In this story there are only so many things that can happen while crossing the ocean and getting stuck in a hurricane is one of the first things that come to mind. The author wants to keep you reading this book so by giving details regarding the upcoming hurricane the reader is kept on the edge of their seat anticipating what is going to happen to Juan and Raul. Will they both make it? You have to keep reading to find out. I personally found the pages leading up to Juan and the hurricane extremely suspenseful and exciting. I'm enjoying the book so far and I can't wait to read the rest.

M. Chapman's Post 1

I think that the narrator in The Lonely Crossing of Juan Cabrera tracks the hurricane by giving you prior hints and clues about the oncoming hurricane. On page 32-33, the author describes the ancient Cuban tribal beliefs. They believed that an all powerful being causes destruction by creating high speed winds and an unforgiving ocean. The information that the author gives you, lets you foreshadow and predict a hurricane to come. I think this element of the story adds a feeling of suspense and lets you anticipate or question about the hurricane. I think the feeling of suspense gives the readers a reason to stay hooked on a book and want to keep reading. I believe that adding this element of suspense to the book is a great addition and I think the author has done a great job with his writing so far.

Manza Post 1

He tracks the storm's progress to show the reader the dangers ahead and to create a sense of fear and worry as you read. He clues you in to the history of hurricanes on Cuba what with telling you about the natives and their fear of it and the Spanish falling prey to one so you get a bit of background and so you know what will happen, but not the outcome. Then he takes away all of their resources and leaves Juan and Raul in the eye of the storm, from where we left off, and also leaves you wondering if Juan will survive the second half of the storm without Raul with him. When I read these chapters, I felt a strong sense of foreboding and dread for what was to come as well as fear and worry for Juan and Raul. then the attack happened and Raul left the big picture. Now Juan is stuck out there. I, quite honestly, am scared for him. He is, in my opinion a brave person. It took guts to get on an inner tube and try for Florida, despite what other members of the class may think. And now he is taking a hurricane head on. This may be one of the few times that I admire a fictional character.

Sowell Post 1

I believe that J. Joaquin Fraxedas tracks the hurricane to show how hard the voyage to the United States will be. First, when Andres was killed, it showed the mental and emotional hardship that Juan and Raul went through, but the hurricane showed the physical half. Fraxedas shows how even though Juan and Raul were devastated after watching their friend's death, they had to keep going. I think that Fraxedas wanted to keep the reader guessing when Juan said "But the worst is over, Raul. We made it through," even though Raul died later. Also, at the start of the fifth chapter, the author talks about the Spanish explorers coming and enslaving the Cuban tribes. Even though the Spanish explorers were haunted by the hurricanes that the slaves would talk about, they still had to load up their ships with the Cuban slaves and keep moving. As I read, I keep asking myself, "What will happen next?"

Johnston Post 1

I think that the author of The Lonely Crossing of Juan Cabrera described the storm so specifically to show that the hurricane would be incredibly dangerous and strong, and to compare the hurricane with the will of the men who were trying to escape from Cuba and were obviously going to be affected by the hurricane. I think that the author was trying to make the point that the men were, first of all, fearless, since they were heading into the ocean probably with the knowledge that a hurricane like this could strike them, and second, very strong-willed, because of course if you can survive a hurricane in the middle of the ocean, you're probably pretty tough.

On page 34, it says that "violent gales tore through the forests of Western Jamaica, ripping up trees in their path." Later, on page 35, the author writes that "the great whirlwind passed over the harbor, lifting and tossing small boats, like toys, over seawalls and onto the streets and alleys of the city." He makes it clear that the hurricane is huge, strong, and dangerous. I believe that this shows that the men who make it through the storm are very strong-willed.

Hall Post 1

Throughout the book J. Jauquin Fraxedas, the author, gives information linked to the Gulf Stream and a hurricane. From the very beginning, he vividly describes the Gulf Stream. On pages 33,34 and 35 he begins to talk about the Hurricane Center and all the calls they had received about the hurricane. Then, in Miami, all kinds of instruments were at work. The birds had also sensed the hurricane. He informs us how all of the animals had formed some kind of protection to brace themselves from the storm. Soon, he describes the path of destruction the hurricane has taken. He uses phrases such as "great whirlwind", "lifting and tossing small boats, like toys" to show us how powerful the storm is.
I believe he used the hurricane to build suspense. By using all of the strong words in previous parts of the book he built up the hurricane and how destructive it was. When i read the book, I felt on edge knowing this information. I could almost tell something big was going to happen. Everyone else knew about the storm, but Jaun and Raul were in the middle of the ocean without a clue. Slowly, the hurricane came upon them. At that point, the suspense had all been let loose. The build up released and it all exploded onto the two. The scene was thrilling and great to read. That is why I feel the hurricane information was shown to the reader. It built up excitement and ended up putting it all into one tenseful moment.

Burdette-Sapp Post 1

I believe the reason that J. Joaquin tracks the hurricane was to prepare the reader in a way that the reader knew what was going to happen but not exactly how it was going to happen. The beginning of chapter five began with the history of hurricanes and how they would destroy the Spanish ship, this helped the reader have a guess that a hurricane may be coming Juan's way. Then later in the chapter the reader knows that a hurricane is in the same ocean as Juan but still does not know if Juan and Rual are safe. Apprehension is built as the reader learns just how strong the hurricane is, when on page 34 Jamaica is hit by the hurricane. Learning just how strong the hurricane is makes the reader wonder if Juan can really survive. But still having a long way to go the hurricane seemed like it may die down before even reaching Juan making the reader more interested in the story. This all makes the reader want to read more, to learn what was to happen next.

Helping the reader forecast the future of Juan seemed to make the book more readable and interesting. It helped me pay close attention to details and really got me into the book. I think the way that J. Joaquin prepared the reader was a good way to make the reader more alert and focused; making the book a better read.

Choi Post 1

I believe the author follows the hurricane through the islands in order to describe how immense its strength is and to show the catastrophe one can bring. Throughout the description on pages 34 and 35, the author portrays the destruction of houses, boats, and almost everything that lay in the way of the hurricane. On page 34, he also briefly tells that animals would foresee the hurricane and avoid it in any way possible, showing that the creatures already know of the terrible power. The reader can only hope that what was described when the hurricane was approaching will not happen to Juan and Raúl.

Previous to this part of the story, the characters had not experienced the treachery that nature can bring. However, this section gives the reader an idea that this disaster will approach Juan and most likely hinder his journey. While the hurricane did not physically injure Juan or Raúl too much, it did stop slow them by scattering their paddles and deflating one of the inner tubes.

This vivid description installs a disastrous image into the reader’s mind and helps show the dangers that the sea can bring. The author did a wonderful job of implementing fear and awe into the reader simultaneously.

Lyles post 1

In the Lonely Crossing of Juan Cabreara, the author, J.Joaquin Fraxedas, tracks the storm in the beginning of the novel to represent the difficult journey the three men will experience along the way. It is important to note that the storm came in the early chapters which immediately shows the reader the personal and emotional turmoil the three men will soon be facing on their voyage. For example, in chapter six when Juan and Ra l’s raft went up and down due to the waves which were produced by the hurricane their emotions did the same. As a reader, when the men feel a feeling you also feel it. In addition, as the storm gets stronger and more violent the men become weaker mentally and physically. The progression of the storm made the men question if they were going to make it out alive and to their desired destination. As a reader of this book, the storm helps us visualize the difficulties the men must be going through. Without the storm, the novel would lose one of the main conflicts. I think J.Joaquin Fraxedas did a great job relating the storm to the emotion of the three men.

Ajello post 1

I think author, J. Joaquin Fraxedas uses the hurricane to not only show the enormous danger of crossing the ocean in a raft made of inner-tubes, but also to symbolize a race against time. I believe Mr. Fraxedas mentions the hurricane passing over the islands to keep track of the time they have left before the storm reaches them. As the hurricane passes over each island its like a countdown until it reaches them. At each island he mentions the hurricane gets closer and closer to Juan and Raul. It added suspense to the story and makes you want to keep reading until you find out what happens to them.

Also, I think he tells you about the hurricane center and what they are doing to prepare for the storm ( end of page 33 to the beginning of 34) to emphasize the danger that hurricanes pose for real boats and cities let alone a small raft. He also mentions the animals to show that not only people know of the incredible power and destruction but animals do too. This really made me think hard about the power of mother nature.

Sriram's post

I believe that the reason that J. Joaquin Fraxedas was tracking the hurricane in the story was to show a head what could happen to Juan. By doing this it could create some sort of suspense for all the readers. It would leave a question such like: is Juan going to be safe when the storm comes? Its questions like these that I think the writer's trying to create. The suspense makes the story reading and interesting. I think any write wouldn't want a boring plot that has no suspense. It would be like saying that sailing over the sea is as easy as sleeping. There is usually a conflict that is created. It is some times just between character in the plot or man vs wild type of conflict. Which in this case is true because of the hurricane. Tracking the hurricane is also a very easy way to forecast the plot of sail the sea. It helps the readers understand what can happen. Most authors have very distinctive details of forecasting events. This author had a very obvious forecasting of trouble coming towards Juan. It show it a lot during chapter five when he talks about hurricanes. So I believe that the author had tracked the hurricane so he could forecast and put suspense into the story.

Baker Post 1

The author tracks the movement of the tornado through the islands to cause worry in the reader and give an example of the tornado's power. At the beginning of chapter five, it is stated that there is a spirit that the tribes that inhabited Cuba before the Spaniards arrived " cowered in terror until the awesome roar of his fury passed." The statement of a tornado foreshadows that Juan and Raul will have to face down a tornado, as that would be pointless to bring up an unseen hazard and not be relative to the story, and these clues hint that the tornado is very powerful. Throughout chapter five, the tornado's power is demonstrated by the mud slides, flooding rivers, and massive destruction of harbors and sugarcane fields. This is designed to cause the reader to worry and wonder how Juan and Raul are going to survive an encounter with a tornado at sea. The suspense before and when the tornado hits keeps the reader interested and wanting to continue reading to find out what happens to Juan and Raul. Suspenseful segments, such as when Juan is being dragged behind the raft and has lost Raul, and when Juan and Raul are inside the eye of the tornado, are contributed by the power of the tornado, and is why I feel the author demonstrated it by tracking the tornado's path through the islands.

Adams Post 1

I think that the author in The Lonely Crossing of Juan Cabrera tracks the hurricane through the ocean for anticipation. It was a thrilling part that kept you on the edge of your seat for many chapters. All you could think about was what is going to happen, are they going to be okay, and when is the hurricane going to overtake Juan and Raul. The author does many times throughout the book to add detail about what is going on. For example the author puts the part in the story, on page 29, when they get bumped one night by a shark. This foreshadows that a shark effects them later in the book. Another instance when this is done is when all the terns fly over in wave after wave after wave, on page 35, it is telling that they are flying away from something hinting about the hurricane. The tracking of the hurricane and all the other times when the author foreshadowed were trying to hook someone into the story so they would read the book. I think J. Joaquin Fraxedas did a great job in writing this book so far.

Gowing Post 1

I think the narrator tracks the progress of the storm as it approaches as a way to give the reader further insight into what is going on. This is not the only time the narrator does this. In the prologue, the book is begun with a description of the Gulf Stream, explaining what it is, how it works, and its route from Cuba to the Keys. This foreshadowed the use of the Gulf Stream later on, and made it easier to be aware of the events in the book. Also, in chapter five, he talks about the beliefs of the ancient tribes of Cuba in relation to hurricanes. This gives us knowledge of hurricanes so that we know what they are and how they have affected people. I think that these explanations through out the book are very helpful. They give the reader a clearer picture on what is going on. They make the book more interesting to read, and give us more understanding. With out these explanations, it would still be a good book, however it may be confusing and harder to read. Tracking the hurricane allowed the reader to become more aware of what was going on. It was very helpful, and the descriptions made the book much more appealing.

Schumacher Post 1

I think the author, J. Joaquin Fraxedas, tacked the progress of the storm through the islands to build suspense for the reader. The author used foreshadowing at the beginning, like in the prologue and early chapter brakes. Mentioning the storm in the earlier parts of the book lets the reader know that the storm is coming and that it will play an important part in the story to come. He kept the readers on their toes, waiting for the hurricane to hit.

When the author repeatedly mentioned this storm, I worried about what would happen. I was anxious to know what chapter Juan and Raul would be caught in the storm. And even before the storm hit, I couldn’t stop thinking about if they would survive. I was worried that they might drown, or be separated in the winds. I also thought about the supplies, and their raft. I wondered what would be lost in the upcoming chaos, or if any would be lost at all.

The author used great detail to describe where the storm was, and what it was doing. And by keeping track of the storm’s progress it made the readers, and myself, think about what would happen next. It was a great technique to keep me hooked in the story.

Juan Cabrera Post One

Question:

Why does the author track the progress of the storm through the islands as it approaches?

Remember to choose check others' responses and write about something new! Use examples (with page numbers) from the text to support your point.