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Summary: My View on October Sky
Review: In the book October Sky socio-economic, global, familial, and, educational forces, shaped Homer Hickam Jr.'s identity. Some forces had more influence than others. In my opinion, familial and global forces had the biggest effect on Homer (also known as Sonny).
Sonny's parents played one of the largest roles in shaping his identity. Sonny's mom, Elsie, knew from the start that Sonny was different. When Sonny was 3, Elsie said that he was not like his father. As he grew up she kept singing the phrase, "No you're not." (pg.15). She also told him that he must build his rockets to prove his intelligence to his father, who thought Sonny was only good enough for a job at the mine. Elsie believed in Sonny and secretly saved money for him to go to college (pg.84-85). Even when he messed up, she continually supported him and wouldn't let him give up so easily. When one of the BCMA rockets blew up in Sonny's yard, men from the mine that were passing by called the boys stupid. Elsie stuck up for them and said they were scientists (pg.187). She never wanted Sonny to end up working in the mine. She said that he would over her dead body (pg.204).
Support was also given to Sonny by his father. Sonny's dad Homer wasn't as open as Elsie about helping Sonny out. He offered help in another way. When the BCMA needed cement for their launchpad at Cape Coolwood, Sonny asked Homer if he could have four bags. Homer said there were some bags left over from a newly made walkway that Sonny could take. He also mentioned that they were ruined from the rain. They were however, in perfect condition because it hadn't rained for a month. This was Homer's way of helping out (pg.151-152). When the boys needed gravel for Leon Ferro so they could get more rockets, Homer supplied it. Homer showed how proud he was of his son when he arrived at the BCMA's final launching. Homer had the privilege of igniting their last rocket.
The global situation of the world during Sonny's teenage years, also contributed to forming his identity. Sonny grew up in a small town where almost every man worked at the coal mine. That did not stop him from dreaming of becoming more than people expected him to be. But living in a middle-class home all his life did help shape who he became. Sonny's fascination with rockets first started when Sputnik was launched. He imagined Russian high school kids hauling Sputnik on top of its rocket. He envied their intelligence (pg.20). In 1958, when school started again, the teachers told students of their new set of courses. Everyone in the country was receiving more work at school because of Sputnik (pg.164). At that time Dr. Wernher von Braun was also a huge inspiration to Sonny. His goal was to graduate from college and end up working at NASA with Dr. von Braun. Sonny wanted to learn as much about rockets as he could, so he might someday help America launch them into space. For Christmas Sonny received a signed photo of Dr. von Braun from his mother (pg.223). Dr. von Braun was an instrumental role model for Sonny.
The education that Sonny obtained also played a fairly large role in his life. The teachers he had growing up helped him realize who he was. The "Great Six" gave him lists of books to read when he was young because he was so advanced (pg.12-13). They also believed that the rocket boys were trying to do something important, so they got Reverend Lanier to preach that the boy's dreams should not be taken lightly but encouraged and supported (pg.125). After this sermon Sonny's dad told them that they could use Cape Coolwood to launch their rockets.
Sonny also received help from his teacher Miss Riley and the librarian Miss Bryson. They ordered a book for the boys called, Principals of Guided Missile Design. In the book were chapters like "Aerodynamics Relating to Missile Design", "Flow Through Nozzles", and "Fundamentals of Rocket Engines" (pg.231). Sonny read those chapters and used them to help improve his rockets.
In my opinion, October Sky was a very enlightening book. It gave you a view of an actual person's life, what it was like in the 1950s, and how history affected people. Everything around influences people in some way and helps shape their identity. For Homer Hickam Jr. it was socio-economic, global, familial, and educational forces surrounding him, that shaped his identity. But the most important forces in his life, were global and familial.
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Summary: October Sky: Shaping Homer's Identity
Review: The autobiography October Sky by Homer H. Hickam, Jr. tells the story of the young teenage boy who lived in Coalwood, West Virginia where the only thing that was expected in his future was to be a miner. However, Homer was different from the other boys his age. While others were off playing football he built rockets. Homer's devotion to his research and his rocket building eventually paid off. Homer realized his dreams and did not work in the dark, cold, isolating coal mine. The life story of Homer Hickam is not only thought provoking and inspiring, it also gives hope to the reader.October Sky takes the reader on a journey that shows how Homer's actions along with many other forces shaped his identity. This brings up the question of "what forces shape identity?" As Homer encounters both the tough times and joyful moments of his life, the reader sees how the author conveys the forces that shaped Homer's identity. One example of how this book was thought provoking was when Homer's father took him down in the Coalwood mine. At this moment Homer realizes what his identity and his life might one day be like if he didn't pursue his rocket dream. Because Homer knew that his occupation contributed to his identity, he looked at his father as an ordinary miner and realized he didn't want that same identity for himself. Leading the book's readers to think about their own identity or what it could become, the book inspires readers to follow Homer's example and pursue their own dreams. Another force that shaped Homer's identity while also being inspiring, was what the town members thought of him and the Rocket Boys (Homer, Quentin, Sherman, O'Dell, Roy Lee, and the new member Billy). When Homer and the guys built their first rocket, it was not a success. They managed to blow-up Homer's mother's new fence. By the day's end the whole town had heard about it. The rocket boys received negative comments about how they were dangerous. The football players even decided to nickname them sister morons; " 'Lets murder these sisters.' A growl of agreement rose from the assembled giants [football players]." However, despite the negative comments many people believed that the rocket boys were doing a marvelous thing and encouraged them. To many readers the fact that Homer and the others overcame the negative feedback was inspiring. For some it could have even brought hope if they had been struggling with negative things in their lives. "At that moment I [Homer] believed I was ready for anything just because she [Miss. Riley] believed I was." This quote demonstrates the inspiration Homer received from his teacher
Miss. Riley. Homer tells how he believes the rocket boys can do anything just because his teacher does. It is at this moment that Homer is inspired to represent Big Creek High School at the science fair. Miss. Riley gave Homer the encouragement he needed to succeed The science fair was the most significant event that shaped Homer's identity. After he won first prize for his entry of A Study of Amateur Rocketry Techniques he went on to the Bluefield Finals and unbelievably won another first place prize. It was on to the National Science Fair in Indianapolis, Indiana. All of West Virginia cheered for him and the rest of the rocket boys, providing them with tons of encouragement. When he won first place at the National Science fair his identity of being a dangerous "pipe bomb" creator metamorphosed into a West Virginia hero who made incredible rockets. This is so inspiring to readers because it showed how the normal teenage boy or girl can go out and fulfill his or her own dream. The author used many literary techniques to make the reader feel inspired, hopeful or thoughtful. He often used "setting" to make the event or situation more meaningful such as when Homer and his father were discussing Homer's future career while in the mine. Homer's father wanted Homer to become a mining engineer and because of their location it made it difficult for Homer to tell his father he didn't want to work there.
" ' I'd like to be an engineer.' I told him.
'A mining engineer?' he [Mr. Hickam] pressed.
I had no choice but to tell him the truth. ' I want to work for Dr. von Braun, Dad.'
He [Mr. Hickam] didn't hide his disappointment."
This conversation is awkward because of the setting yet it is inspiring because Homer is going for his dream despite disappointing his father. This example also demonstrates conflict. However, conflicts helped shape Homer's identity and more clearly define his future. The author also uses descriptive technique throughout the book. He often described the beauty of the scenery, and the intensity of the sky. "The church, bathed in starlight, glowed against the black silhouette of the mountain behind it..." He also brilliantly described what people looked like. Homer often told about his dream girl Dorothy Plunk and her outfits. "She was wearing a white pinafore blouse with a blue ribbon around its collar..." Throughout October Sky the author uses the described techniques and many more to communicate the forces which inspired and brought hope to Homer while also shaping his identity. October Sky is a very inspiring book, which made the reader ponder and also brought hope to many. While other books can be inspiring, October Sky causes the reader to reflect on where their own life is going or what their own identity is. October Sky is a worthwhile read for anyone, teaching the reader to have faith in themselves and others, following Homer's example of achievement in the face of adversity. After reading October Sky the reader will always keep Homer Hickam, Jr. in their mind and his identity will remain to be that of an amazing example of inspiration, hopefulness, and success.
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Summary: The Shaping of Homer Hickam's Identity
Review: The memoir: October Sky, by Homer Hickam, is an eloquent tale of a boy maturing with the aspiration of sending rockets into outer space. Homer's glorious hopes for rocketry are put to a test, as his friends, family, and community continuously try to stop, and challenge him from reaching his ever-closer goal. As Homer continues to pursue his dream, he evolves from an adolescent boy, to a mature man, with his own dreams, values, and identity, shaped by the many great people who have entered, and passed through his life.
Many different aspects of Homer's life shaped him to be the great man that he came to be. In the book: October Sky, Homer Hickam describes the love/hate relationship he experienced with his father: one of the greatest influences in his life. Homer Hickam Senior, was a very dedicated man, who spent many long hours in the shadowy, mysterious Coalwood Olga Coal mine, which he ran.
Homer Hickam Senior had high hopes that his youngest son, Homer Hickam Junior, would work in his mine as one of the mining engineers, but was soon to be discouraged when Homer Hickam Junior specified that he had no interest working in the mine, but in rockets. Homer Hickam Senior was described by his son as being a very authoritive, and serious father. Without the younger Homer realizing it, he taught his son many important lessons in life, such as working hard, staying focused, and being dedicated to dreams, hopes and goals.
Although, young Homer was frequently distressed on the way these life lessons were brought up and taught, he realized quickly, that his father was a great force in the shaping of his identity.
A powerful, intelligent woman, Elsie Hickam (Homer's mother), was yet another great influence on her son Homer's life and identity. Knowing that Homer had unusual talents and interests that could direct him to jobs other than mining, she saw to it that Homer Hickam Junior had as little to do with the coal mine, and his father's job as possible.
Often times in the Hickam house, Homer, his father, and sometimes even his mother would be fighting over the rockets versus the Coalwood Mine. After the argument Elsie Hickam would generally take Homer to the side and comfort him, saying things like: "I am counting on you!" and "Show him you can do something! Build a rocket!" (p.52 paragraph 5) By saying these encouraging words, Elsie Hickam taught Homer to be brave, and above all, to strive to reach his goals.
Although Homer's family was an important aspect in the making of his identity, Homer's faithful friends (known later as the "Rocket Boys"), played a major role in the creation of his characteristics, personality, and overall identity.
Through good times and bad, Homer's secure group of friends, Sherman, O'Dell, Roy Lee, Jim, Billy, and later Quentin, helped Homer with many of his troubles. Besides these familiar troubles they faced with the community, they helped Homer out numerous times in the making and studying of the rockets.
Being portrayed by the author of October Sky, as somewhat of a genius, Quentin taught Homer many different parts, and steps when it came to building rockets, as well as calculus, and many vocabulary words. Quentin also helped Homer learn to stay on task, work hard, and to challenge himself appropriately.
The help and support of the Rocket Boys were put to the test, when Homer decided to enter the science fair. Although all the boys wished to represent the school, only one was allowed to do so. Homer, with the encouragement from his teacher, Miss Riley, took over the immense task of going to the fair. Instead of being envious of Homer, and his task, the Rocket Boys were encouraging, heartening, and greatly supportive to him. The loyal support of these boys made Homer a person that was more concerned with the well-being of others, as well as an excellent leader in tight situations.
The memoir, October Sky, by Homer Hickam, is an powerful tale of a boy, struggling to succeed, and reach his self set goal of sending rockets into outer space. On his way to the achievement of his goal, Homer stumbles upon many challenges and tribulations which he is forced to prevail over. However exasperating and perplexing these human challenges proved to be, Homer overcame them all. In turn, his identity matured from that of an adolescent boy, to a proven, and mature man, whose beliefs and values were strongly based on those given to him by the people most influential in his life. This wonderful, yet stirring novel is an excellent read to any and all who enjoy the story of life, and the rewards which it can bring.
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Summary: What Forces Shaped Sonny's Identity
Review: Sonny Hickam had few, yet significant people that truly shaped his identity. There also were important events in which Sonny will be effected by for the rest of his life.
Elsie Hickam will always have an impact on her son's identity. Throughout "October Sky", Elsie could tell Sonny the truth about what was going on or what she thought about his actions, whether it was positive or negative. Although her opinions were sometimes emotionally painful or very critical to Sonny, he often built his life around what his mother suggested to make himself a better person and son.
Sonny's father has made Sonny the persistent and committed person he is. Although Sonny's father wouldn't consider it helpful, he subconsciously made a path for Sonny out of Coalwood. He made Sonny realize what he did not want in his future, and motivated him to work harder on his rockets because Sonny knew this as his only way to escape his planned future of working for his father in Coalwood.
Miss Riley, one of Sonny's teachers at Big Creek Highschool, helped Sonny realize all that was possible, and that his limits had no ends. She really had an endless amount of faith in Sonny's abilities, and always showed him the support he needed for his ideas. Even when she knew Sonny had doubt in his mind, she kept an open mind and knew that everything would turn out alright for Sonny and the other rocket boys. She opened all kinds of doors for Sonny by purchasing a book with detailed hints and suggestions that helped improve their rocket techniques. Although Miss Riley was fairly young herself, she really helped shape Sonny's identity by helping him show himself where there was faith, and how he could help himself become successful.
The character Dorothy Plunk seemed to make Sonny's life a nightmare at times. Even so, she helped Sonny realize that he couldn't always have what he desired. Sonny's parents had always provided him with practically whatever he wanted, being on the higher end of Coalwood society. Dorothy, in some ways, was some what of a reality check for Sonny. It helped him learn to work hard for what he really and truly wanted, and if it wasn't possible, then attempt to move on and make the best of what you do have.
The event in the mine that took place including Mr. Bykovski's death left Sonny in a very awkward position. It left Sonny feeling so much sadness and confusion, while taking the blame even if it wasn't his fault. This led him to almost lose his faith in his rockets, which seemed to be the only way out of Coalwood for Sonny. After a long period of grieving, it seemed that the legacy of the Mr. Bykovski's hope for Sonny and his future, helped Sonny to be even more motivated and to not give up when all of his dreams seemed dull and out of reach.
Homer Hickam Jr. continually described the ways of Coalwood throughout his memoir. This setting helped shape Sonny into the type of person who knows about everyone's business in town, and all the usually unspoken details about previous and present miners. He knew all about the Big Creek football team, the tipple, the fence and how gossip got around town, and all the people who grew up in the same manor as he did. Coalwood wasn't exactly just a town, it was a way of life.
Many arguments took place in the Hickam household. How Sonny often admitted he was wrong and sorry towards his mother, showed a characteristic that seldom is seen in many people. Even though some of his apologies were to stay out of trouble, some were very deep and sincere apologies. The way he truly understood what his mother's message was, and how Sonny attempted to repay her for what he had done wrong displayed a kind of mercy and pleading to Sonny's personality. Although it is easier to continue fighting than it is to admit you're sorry in most cases, Sonny made many wise decisions when resolving conflicts throughout his adolescence.
The author often tells many stories of the times when he was growing up. Usually they are describing in detail early events to better portray the present dispute or event. They can also describe thoughts of how Sonny's parent's relationship used to be, and it seems at times, how Sonny wishes it still was. He also used story telling to write about how Jim, his brother, and why they weren't close. It also helps the reader realize how different Sonny and Jim really are. His stories were a way to recall history and to give a better idea of how the Bykovski's entered their life, and why they always had liked Sonny.
This memoir continually got better as you went deeper into the mind of Homer Hickam. It was very inspiring and really gave credit to those who seemed at one point possessed very little to work with, but with their hope and dreams created everything that they had wished for. It shows the value of being determined to accomplish your dreams, even when people are against you, or have little confidence in you. I would definitely say this book is worthwhile reading, because it shows that with commitment, faith, and determination, anything is possible.
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Summary: October Sky: What Forces Shape Identity?
Review: Sonny Hickam, the main character, and author of the auto-biography October Sky, had many characteristics; most of which were created by his surroundings. Sonny grew up in Coalwood, West Virginia with his mother, father, and older brother Jim. Sonny wanted to grow up and work at Cape Canaveral, where his idol; Wernher Von Braun worked with spacecraft. Sonny spent most of his highschool career building rockets with his friends. His father was a very loyal miner, and spent most of his time at the mine. He wanted Sonny to become a miner as well, and was displeased with Sonny building rockets. His mother hated the mine, and Coalwood, therefore, she supported Sonny's dream and wanted him to grow up and get out of Coalwood. Her and Sonny's father didn't have a very strong relationship. Sonny's older brother Jim, a famous football star in their small town, took the opportunity to pick on Sonny any chance he got. His family alone, played a large role in Sonny's character.
Sonny's father was one person in his life that helped shaped his identity. With his father away from home a lot, and putting left over energy into his brother's football career, Sonny grew up with the desire for attention from his father. His father was also very tough, and showed little mercy. This also made Sonny's identity strong, and unwilling to show pain. During a mining accident, Sonny's father almost lost his right eye, but saving many mens' lives. There was one death. Mr. Bykovski; one of the Hickam family's oldest friends, was crushed in the mine during that accident. This changed Sonny's character greatly. Sonny took the blame for Mr. Bykovski's death, for being the cause of his job change in to the position that killed him. Sonny forgot about schoolwork, and even stopped building rockets for awhile, realizing that there were worse problems in life than his. This was a big step in his character.
Another person in Sonny's life that had a large impact on his identity, was his physics teacher, Miss Riley. He became friends with his teacher, and when he found out she had cancer, he had to learn to deal with the fact that she was sick, and that she might die. Sonny's personality matured in the subject of death with his experience with Miss Riley's illness, and when his beloved cat was murdered by an enemy of his fathers; the same person who tried to murder Sonny's father himself, by shooting a bullet through their family room window while Sonny's dad was in there. He wasn't hit, but it was a close call, and it made Sonny aware of what people were capable of.
The main focus in this book, and the idea that ties all other connections already mentioned together, is Sonny's rockets. His need to build rockets, and to succeed was the strongest character in him. Throughout the book, he became stronger, more confident, along with becoming famous in Coalwood. When famous, he had to learn about arrogance. He learned from his mistakes, and like most teenagers, he learned from his friends. His friends, also being fellow rocket boys with him in their own organization, the BCMA (Big Creek Missel Association) taught him all the things books couldn't. Quentin, the "brains" of the group, taught him to be patient, by not letting him change too many steps of their rocketry at a time. Roy Lee, taught Sonny to take risks, such as trying alcohol for the first time. All of his friends showed Sonny how to forgive, and forget, when Sonny took his anger out on them, when all family problems and fame crisis was getting to him. They took in his anger, and forgave him.
The author of October Sky, Homer Hickam Jr. (Sonny) used many different literary elements to show the way his identity was formed. One element was setting. Many times in his book, he referred to his actions as "the Coalwood way", such as not telling on others, even if they deserved it. That was a characteristic Sonny had, formed by the place in which he grew up. Another element was conflict and resolution. An example he used, was when Sonny fought with his mother. Part of Sonny's character, was being able to admit it when he was wrong. He hated it when its mother was angry at him, so he knew the right thing to do was apologize, and do whatever work needed for her to forgive him. The main element the author used, was storytelling. As it is an autobiography, it was written in first person, therefore revealing only Sonny's personal thoughts and actions. This gave an inside look as to what shaped Sonny's identity by knowing his thoughts, and how he felt about everyone around him.
This book is not only a story about some boys building rockets, but has life lessons to be learned. It is very important for people of all ages to read it. It talks about life, death, friendship, and loyalty. It covers simple teenage things from grades, to highschool love. It shows what hard work can accomplish, and that life does go on. Failure is a part of life, and instead of being frowned upon, it should be built upon, and learned from. This book shows all that, and more, and will keep readers mesmerized throughout the book.
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Summary: The forces the shape identity
Review: Homer Hickam's October Sky is an autobiography of Hickam's teenage years that journeys through his bittersweet development in his identity contributed to him by the people and events surrounding him. In 1957, the Russian satellite Sputnik streaked across the clear October sky. As it crossed Coalwood, West Virginia, Homer Hickam sat watching it and became inspired to launch his own rockets into space and at that moment, his identity changed from a teenage boy into the mindset of a rocket engineer. Every person can relate to Homer in a way. Every person's identity is created and changed in the same way his was created and changed. Our family, our friends, the people we know and the events that occur around us give us our identity and change it as well.
Sputnik inspired him to be a rocket engineer. Homer decided he wasn't going to be a coal miner like the all the other men of Coalwood and that he wasn't going to suffer the same consequences as his poppy, Tony's dad or just that "one" that dies in the mine. He wanted to be a rocket engineer and work at Cape Canaveral. As Homer built his own rockets and contemplated his failures every time his rockets exploded he saw Wernher von Braun was attempting the same feats. To try to launch rockets for the United States that would rival those of the Russians but Homer doing it in his own small way. Many of von Braun's rockets crashed or blew up but that only encouraged Homer to keep trying, just like his idol. Homer saw von Braun's failed launches and saw that after one rocket, von Braun and his group of engineers would try to fix their flaws and make improvements on their next rocket. Homer had difficulties of his own with his failed launch that blew up part of his fence, but after seeing von Braun's persistency Homer knew that he wasn't going to stop building rockets after a couple of failures. Homer's father didn't support that idea though, he didn't think that his son could make a living launching rockets. He thought his son should be a coal miner and not good enough to do anything other than to "write a ledger about how many tons get loaded in a day." Because the setting of his life is in a mining town where all the men became miners and all the women become housewives, Homer is constantly pressured to work at the mine and his pushed by his dad to become a mining engineer. His dad along with Pooky, Mr. Fuller, and his brother Jim all thought Homer was a moron just trying to blow Coalwood up. The characterization of these "antagonists" adds to how the people around him give his identity. Given their pessimistic view, Homer was determined to keep building his rockets and prove those people wrong. As time went on, Homer found that he turning into a tough and stubborn person, much like his dad. Elise Hickam, Homer's mom, however stands by his dream to work for von Braun and tells him to never work in the "death pit" that inevitably awaits Homer. Elise along with Homer's teacher Ms. Riley, Reverend Richard, the machinists, and the Big Creek Missile Agency and eventually whole the town, all backed him up and pushed him to reach for his dream. Even during the tough situations he always knew that "the lord would let him scrape by" as Reverend Richard had told him. Mr. and Mrs. Bykovski's also contributed to who Homer is. Mr. Bykovski risked his job for Homer to see that he would succeed. Mrs. Bykovski told homer to keep firing off his rockets even when her husband passed a way. In a way, she forces Homer to be honorable and respect her wish since it was he who was a part to blame for her husband's death. Mr. Bykovski's death, along with the eventual death of Ms. Riley, are symbols Homer Hickam uses to point out to the reader of the prices people pay to help others to find out who they really are. "Building rockets took teamwork" as Quentin once said, and Homer's team composed of his best friends. Roy Lee, Quentin, O'Dell, and Sherman helped him through his struggles, and gave him the support he needed during the whole rocket building experience. Quentin "dropped a sack of rocks on Homer's shoulders" when he told Homer his future and the futures of his best friends depended on him, which made him absolutely determined to do good for his friends. When the friends weren't building rockets Roy Lee entertained them with many girl-luring lessons with special tips and tricks including his one-handed bra removal skill. Roy Lee helped Homer through his struggle to win Dorothy Plunk and the death of Homer's loving cat, Daisy Mae. These friends that Homer made were a considerable influence to who Homer was and is today. They made him a loving person who reached for the stars when other people were trying to pull him down. With all people surrounding him, Homer's search for his identity was a successful one. He found out what he meant to do on the day Sputnik streaked across Coalwood. While reaching for his dream, he accepted the help of the people around him and underwent moments of sadness and moments of triumph. Nothing changes however to who and what makes us who we are. It's still the people, and it's still the things that happen around us who give us our identity. Homer Hickam tells the story with descriptive techniques that will draw you into the story and among them are his humor and somberness. He adds them in at the right times to give us a better understanding of how his identity was shaped. October Sky is a book of lessons that will follow you wherever you go and a must read to those who fight past obstacles to reach the finish line.
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Summary: What Forces Shape Identity?
Review: Homer Hickmans Jr's book October Sky is an autobiography of a young boy growing up in a booming coaltown in West Virginia during the Cold War and Space Race. Many forces shape the authors identity in this book. These include his dad's influence to become a mining engineer to his science teacher's influence on entering the local science fair to Dr. VonBraunn's work to get America into space. All of these forces shaped Sonny's life.
In the small town of Coalwood, West Virginia, a boy named Sonny (Homer Hickman Jr.) tries to pursue his dream of getting America into space. His identity is shaped by this dream because it makes him who he is. His high school life is devoted to building and launching rockets with his dream of getting America into space. This shapes Sonny's identity because it is who he is and what he wants to be.
Coalwood is a town with many strong people. If you are not strong in Coalwood you do not belong there. Coalwood helped shape Sonny's identity. In the book Doc says, "I'm going to tell you what your father would say if he could. Don't let me ever see you acting like a sob sister again or, by God, I'll whip you myself. Coalwood is no place to be weak, but if you are, keep it to yourself and get the hell out of here as soon as you can." (p. 290). The town of Coalwood thought Sonny to be strong. If he wants to cry he can't and he has to keep it to himself. Coalwood taught Sonny to be strong, whether he wanted to or not.
Sonny and his friends formed the Big Creek Missile Agency or BCMA. They loved to launch, build, and watch rockets as they plummeted from the sky. Sonny and his gang never gave up to make their dream a reality. They begged the mining company and Sonny's dad for materials and supplies even though they refused at first, spent their money on supplies and getting out of trouble, built Cape Coalwood (modeled after Cape Canaveral), and had their rockets built by the machinists in the company machine shop. When they needed materials they would have to trade for them. If that weren't possible Sonny would ask his dad for the materials. Mr. Hickman would always say no but the materials would always show up on the doorstep the next day. Sonny and his friends would always get the job done, even after many failed attempts; this shows that he was determined. The BCMA shaped this part of Sonny's identity.
Sonny's family helped in the process of shaping Sonny's identity. His father Homer Hickman, his mother Lois Hickman, and his brother Jim Hickman. Sonny's father was the mine superintendent of Coalwood. He was a company man and did not care much about the welfare of the miners and miners' union. He was a strict man. He didn't think Sonny was capable of building rockets. In the book Dad says, "Sonny built a rocket? He doesn't even know how to put the sprocket chain back on his bike when it slips off" (p. 46). He tried to prevent Sonny from building rockets but secretly helped out at times. Sonny wanted to build rockets even more to prove that he could build them to his father. Sonny's mother was always in favor of Sonny building rockets. She wanted him to prove to his father that he could accomplish something. Sonny's brother Jim was the big man on campus. He was a football star at Big Creek High School (Sonny and Jim's' high school) and received a football scholarship to the University of West Virginia. Jim thought that building rockets was wimpy and a sister like thing to do. Sonny wanted to build rockets to show he was something in the Hickman family other than "Homer's Boy" and "Jim's Brother." His family made him determined to build and launch rockets.
Sonny's friends also helped shape Sonny's identity greatly. His friends are part of the Big Creek Missile Agency. Quentin, Roy Lee, Sherman, O'Dell, and Billy play different parts in Sonny's life. While Sonny is the president of the BCMA the other boys play important roles in the rocket club. Quentin is the scientist and is always figuring out equations and designing new ideas for rockets. Roy Lee was in charge of transportation of the club to and from the launch as well as transporting the rockets to and from the launch. Sherman is the practical guy who always comes up with the ideas that are most practical and work. O'Dell is the club treasurer who kept track of the club funds. His dad was also the town garbage man so he could supply the BCMA with some supplies. Billy was a new addition to the Big Creek Missile Agency. He was the eagle eye and speed of the group who would always be the first one to spot and retrieve the rockets. All of the boys played important roles in the BCMA. They all shaped Sonny's life in different ways.
Sonny's identity is shaped greatly by all the factors covered above. He is very strong and determined, and believes he can do anything most of the time and is always trying. Coalwood, The Big Creek Missile Agency (BCMA), his friends, and family help him shape this identity. He has formed an identity from all of them.
October Sky is a worthwhile read. It is very interesting and addresses many aspects of life. It should be read by anyone seeking an interesting, fun-filled, and exiting book. Homer Hickman Jr's memoir; October Sky is an excellent read.
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Summary: What Forces Shape Identity?
Review: Throughout the book October Sky, by Homer Hickman, numerous forces come through that shape the identity of different characters. Some important forces in the novel are influence of parents, siblings, surrounding community, surrounding geographical features, current events, and family history. These forces clearly stood out as having an impact on shaping the characters' identity.
October Sky's author, Homer Hickman, (Sonny), is the main character in the book. The book is a retelling of his childhood life in Coalwood, West Virginia. Three significant people are involved in developing Sonny's identity. These people are Sonny's parents, Elsie and Homer Hickman and Dr. Wernher von Braun. Dr. Wernher von Braun, who Sonny admired, was a scientist who worked with rockets. A child's parents and his hero are the most important people that shape a child's identity. Since children are around their parents and know the hero this allows them to observe their parent's and hero's ways of life and their values. The parents and heroes are also important because the child looks up to them and takes what they have done into his own life. Elsie, Homer, and Dr. Wernher von Braun are the most significant people to develop Sonny's identity because they show Sonny how to live the life that he was meant to live.
With most children, the parents or legal guardians are a large part of a child's life. Sonny's parents are no exception to this statement. This is good only if the parents are teaching constructive values to the child. Sonny's mother, Elsie, is a wonderful mother who wanted her son to have options in life. Elsie encourages Sonny to do something ingenious to get out of Coalwood because she wants the best for him and knows that Coalwood is not. Elsie shaped Sonny's identity by teaching him about perseverance, ambition, and how they lead to success in life. While Sonny was building his rockets, many people doubted Sonny but Elsie never gives up. Without Elsie, Sonny would have stopped building rockets in the beginning. Sonny's father, Homer, was not quite as positive as his mother about building the rockets. He is the foreman of the mine and the mine is Homer's life. Rarely did he spend time with his family. Homer leads a cold, dark, life filled with guilt which comes from often having to fire innocent people at the mine. Homer rarely shows his love toward anyone and acts as if he is the "macho man." Homer did contribute to Sonny's identity by giving him qualities, but they are negative, such as doubting himself. Once Homer realized that Sonny can build rockets, he helps a bit. Homer doesn't always bring positive characteristics to Sonny's life, but he did teach Sonny that people could change. Even though Homer is vulgar to Sonny by not paying attention to him, Sonny never give up trying to impress him. Sonny only wants Homer to be proud of him and in the end Homer is. Homer and Elsie shapes Sonny's identity and even though it is not always positive characteristics that they give him, Sonny is smart enough to take the good and leave the bad.
Dr. Wernher von Braun, Sonny's hero, is the other person who as an impact on Sonny's identity because Sonny admires him. Their common interest in space and the fact that Dr. von Braun never gives up draws Sonny to him. The event that pushes Sonny to persevere is a note and picture that Dr. von Braun signs sent to Sonny for Christmas. His writing is concluded by "If you work hard enough, you will do anything you want." These words convinced Sonny to work hard and keep trying. Each time that Dr. von Braun would launch a satellite and it would fail, he would make corrections and send another one up. Sonny took this method of failing, learning, and then correcting to his own rockets. The "rocket boys" (Sonny, Quentin, O'Dell, Roy Lee, and Sherman) always want to increase the height of the next rocket. Dr. von Braun helps to develop Sonny's identity by teaching him the importance of never giving up and always working as hard as he can. Sonny's hero clearly had an impact on his life because Sonny learns from him and applies it to his own life.
Throughout the book, Homer Hickman uses many different literary elements to convey the forces that shaped Sonny's development of identity. The techniques that Hickman uses are characterization and symbolism. Characterization comes when Hickman first told about himself and then his father. There is a resemblance between Sonny and his dad which shows that Sonny's father undoubtedly had something to do with shaping Sonny's identity. Dr. von Braun is conveyed as a force in shaping Sonny's identity through symbolism. Dr. von Braun is portrayed as an achiever and symbolizes achievement. He is an influence on Sonny's identity because Sonny also develop the characteristics of an achiever. He never gives up on his rockets and is forever trying to impress his father. Literary elements are a wonderful tool to use because they tell and show the reader what forces shape Sonny's identity. As said in the introduction, October Sky contains forces that shape the characters' identity. Although not all forces pertain to Sonny, all are important. October Sky is a worthwhile read. Some parts are slow but the story is heartwarming, forcing people to fall in love with it. The characters and problems are so real that the reader is able to relate to the story in a heartbeat. October Sky is a must read for its candor, love, and for the success that the boys in Coalwood achieve. Identity is a set of characteristics that someone has and to be able to explore the forces that shapes Sonny's has been an adventure that should be explored by everyone.
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Summary: What forces shape identy?
Review: In the novel October Sky: A Memoir by Homer Hickam the main character, Sonny is on a path to form his identity. The conflicts in the book force Sonny the change the way he acts and thinks. For example, when he decides to build a second rocket he goes to Quentin for help and then they become friends despite the peer pressure on Sonny not to talk to him.
Mainly conflict, relationships, and events shape sonny's character and personality. Although there are other forces I consider these to be the three most important. I see Sonny's mother Elsie as one of the main people that shape his identity. Sonny's mother tells him that he should continue to build rockets despite what his father says. She said that the mine would soon run out of coal and that he needed to find a way out of Coalwood. She encourages Sonny's dream throughout the book and the Big Creek Missile Agency (BCMA). On page 51, she questions Sonny about college and how he plans to get there. Elsie knows that Coalwood is going to die out and she knows that Sonny needs to find a way out. She knows that football with get Jim (Sonny's brother) out and that Homer will pay for him to go to college but it is harder for Sonny. She gets this through by saying, "To get out of here, you've got to show your dad you're smarter than he thinks. I believe you can build a rocket. He doesn't. I want you to show him I'm right and he's wrong. Is that too much to ask?" That is where Sonny decides that he is going to build another rocket.
Another Great influence on Sonny and the BCMA was Mrs. Riley, the boy's physics teacher. Mrs. Riley wanted Sonny to follow his dream of becoming a rocket engineer. She made sacrifices for him to succeed. On pages 231, it shows that Mrs. Riley and another teacher made a sacrifice for Sonny's success. It says " Miss Bryson and I put our heads together and ordered [this rocket book] for you. Here." Sonny greatly appreciated all that Mrs. Riley did for him and the BCMA. On page 232 Sonny says, "I felt as if she had just given me something straight from God."
Other than people, certain events formed Sonny's personality. The launch of the satellite Sputnik, by the Russians sparked the curiosity to build rockets, to join NASA, and to become a rocket engineer. When Sonny's dad took him down in the mine he realized that there was more the being an engineer than just building rockets. You had to take precise measures and be as accurate as possible to fulfill your job.
By then end of the book Sonny had developed into a highly mature young man. As he grew older he learned a lot more about reality. With the help of his family, friends, and teachers, Sonny made it through the rough times.
This novel is a worthwhile read to everyone especially teenagers because it shows the challenges faced in ones life. It also shows how others help to shape the way you think and act. The novel is excellent and should be recommended to everyone.
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Summary: October Sky
Review: In the novel, October Sky, the main character, Homer Hickam Jr. feels a loss of identity. With the help of three significant forces to shape his identity, namely, relationships, events or conflicts, and personal characteristics, his identity was found, and his ambitions restored. Many other forces shape identity, but none that push so hard on ones heart as these.
Many events and people are significant to a person's character and identity. Homer Hickam Jr. went through many life altering events, and met many people that influenced his life. One would clearly see that Miss Riley, a physics teacher, played a great role in developing the identity of Homer Hickam Jr. Miss Riley pushed for Homer to follow his dreams. She sacrificed for Homer to succeed. If one were to look on pages 231-232, they would encounter various quotes concerning sacrifice and hope for Homer to follow his dreams. A particular quote on page 231 shows self sacrifice from two teachers at Big Creek High School. " Miss Bryson and I put our heads together and ordered [this rocket book] for you. Here." If one were to continue to scroll down page 231, they would also come across this quote, "It's yours Sonny, you can keep it, forever." The appreciation that Homer Hickam Jr. felt towards Miss Riley was great, for example, if one were to turn to page 232, they would find a quote of appreciation thought by Homer himself. " I felt as if she had just given me something straight from God." Another person that was significant in the life of Homer Hickam Jr., was his mother. Homer s mother released a constant flow of love and support towards Homer Jr., regardless of the discouragement received from his father early in the novel. Homer's mother, Elsie, cared for Homer, and made it possible for Homer to follow his dreams. On pages 51-52 and example of Elise's faith in Homer Jr. is spoken of. "To get out of here, you've got to show your dad your smarter than he thinks. I believe you can build a rocket. He doesn't. I want to show him I'm right and he's wrong. Is that too much to ask?" Though the last two examples of significance in the development of Homer's identity may seem the most important, some may believe that the best has been saved for last. The launch of Sputnik by the Russians caused Homer Jr. to wonder about rocketry, and the team of Dr. von Braun, working at NASA. This curiosity led to the building of the BCMA and the building and launching of the BCMA's own rockets. As stated in the novel October Sky, "I started to think about what an adventure it would be to work for [Dr. von Braun], helping him build rockets, and launching them into space." This curiosity was vital for the beginnings of the ROCKET BOYS. The love of rocketry came shortly afterward, and a career at NASA was persued after Big Creek High School. These events and people were significant in the life of Homer Hickam Jr., but all of the people and events in the life of Homer Hickam Jr. were vital for the person that he has become, and the identity he carries inside of him. All of the details here can be analyzed through the Literary Elements know in Literature which are important for understanding.
The literary elements known in Literature have the power to unveil details that convey the development in ones identity. The literary elements help make the novel October Sky more connected with the reader. The details uncovered show developments, and the Literary Elements show the details. For example, the theme " The first step to success is failure" shows that one needs to persevere, and hold on to ones hope, while working on a final goal. "Try, try again", "Don't give up", and " A pot not heated, won't boil" are all variations of this theme. One is able to connect the characters experiences to their own even if it is not the same situation that the reader has lived through. Revealing details shows more clearly developments in a character's identity. An example of the theme "The first step to success is failure" resides on page 84. " The first rocket emitted a boil of nasty, stinking yellowish smoke, and then fell over, the glue on the fins melted." Another very important Literary Element is setting. The setting of a novel shows how the life of a character is lived, and certain things that leave the character with difficulty, or leave the character prospering. Living in Coalwood, West Virginia led to difficulty for Home Hickam Jr. due to the constant pressure to be a mining engineer, from his father, Homer Hickam Sr. "I carefully crafted my answer, 'I'd like to be an engineer.' I told him. He had me; I had no choice but to tell him the truth. 'I want to go to work for Dr. von Braun, dad.'" The literary elements uncover details and help to unmask information about the development of the character's identity. Information that ordinarily would have been unable to be detected is revealed.
Many forces in ones life shape the identity and the person that they become. The novel October Sky was a worthwhile read because it teaches how to turn one situation in life around to benefit different things. This novel also works the mind, tames the heart, puts the reader into the main character's life, and yields the temptations of passion, family love, dreams, and hope, to anyone willing to receive them. Shaping a piece of clay is done with the hands of an artist, but shaping an identity is done with the heart.
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