Editors’ Words
byLunaFong4D
What is utopia? What is dystopia?
Imagine those futuristic, state-of-the-art, typical white buildings you see in sci-fi movies. Then imagine a whole community full of them, in which everybody is employed, has a roof over their heads, has 3 meals a day and are overall satisfied with their lives. Imagine a world where war no longer exists and the potential threat of global annihilation caused by global warming or nuclear war is gone. In other words, try shaping an ideal societyinyourheadthatfitsyourstandardsofaperfect,idealisticworld.ThisisUtopia.
AUtopia refers to an imaginary community or society that possesses highly desirable or near-perfect qualities for its members. The idea of “Utopia” was created by SirThomas More forhis 1516 book Utopia, which describes a fictional island society in the NewWorld. Itdevisedablueprintforanidealsocietythathasminimalcrime,violence,andpoverty.
The element of utopia can be observed in some modern media works. Some examples being “The Truman Show”, which portrays a seemingly perfect world where the protagonist, Truman, lives in a picturesque town that is actually a giant TV set, “The Giver”, which takes place in a seemingly perfect society where suffering and pain is no longerpresent; “The Black Panther”, a marvel movie set in a highly advanced society with futuristictechnology,safelyveiledfromtheoutsideworld.
Now imagine a world suffering from destruction, realistically a post-war period or after the occurrence of environmental disasters. Imagine living in the midst of a zombie apocalypse, where resources are scarce and people struggle to survive. Imagine living in aworldwherepeoplestruggletomakeendsmeetwhiletheywatch,feelinghandicapped andpowerlessasthepeopleofhigher-socialclasswineanddineandtheriftbetweenthe rich and the poor widen. That sounds disastrous, right? A world like that would be classifiedasaDystopia.
Dystopia refers to an imagined community or society in which there is great sufferingorinjustice,typicallyonethatistotalitarianorpost-apocalyptic.Dystopiasare often characterized by fearordistress, tyrannical governments, environmental disasters orothercharacteristicsassociatedwithacataclysmicdeclineinsociety.
Let’s
take a look
at what our teachers’ ideal utopia are like!
In my idea, in a Utopia, there would be racial equality, fostering a society where every individual is treated with fairness and respect. This harmonious community exists within a clean environment, where pollution is minimized. Then, nature's beauty can be preserved. In fact, the true essence of utopia lies in the collective sense of inner peace. Everyone can find solace and tranquility free of external disturbances. This state of blissful harmony is where Utopia truly exists.
To me, of course, I would love to be surrounded by a sea of books so that I can be immersed in the world of literature. Other than that, it would be great if my loved ones – my friends, and family were there also. In my ideal Utopia, the atmosphere itself is tranquil and serene, offering a haven of peace. To add a touch of exuberance, it is filled with playful cats, bringing elation and relaxation as people engage in joyful interactions with the kittens. Furthermore, this idyllic place is also blessed with an array of delectable desserts. This sweetness, coupled with books, companionship and serenity, will surely bring felicity.
Ms Candice Ng .
Ms Gladys Woo .
Book Sharing by Mr Nick Chan
Book Sharing by Ms Katie Law
The Giver – Lois Lowry
What exactly do you think a utopia is like?Aplace that is orderly, safe, and without melancholy, war or bigotry? The concept of utopia has long fascinated human imagination. The desire for a world without suffering, conflict, and inequality is deeply ingrained in our aspirations. Nonetheless,thenovel“TheGiver”byLoisLowrychallengestheconventionalnotionofutopiaby presentingaseeminglyidylliccommunitythatturnsouttobemorelikeadystopia.
In the community, there is no anguish.Yet, this “ideal” is attained by taking away pain and strife by converting to “Sameness”. In an effort to preserve social order, every single thing is controlled by the Committee of the Elders, ranging from what the citizens eat every day, to their deaths. All the emotions and memories of the past are annihilated to create a safe and painless community. But then freedom and pleasant memories like colors, music, love, sledging are sacrificed.Isthissocietyutopiantoyouanymore?
The book begins with Jonas’apprehension about his Ceremony ofTwelve, where he will be assignedhislifelongjob.Attheceremony,heisselectedtobetheReceiverofMemory.Filledwith immense uneasiness about this unknown and mysterious job, Jonas begins his training. He receives, from the former Receiver-the Giver, memories as well as emotions of the past that were given up to attain Sameness and the illusion of social order. Some memories are pleasant such as colors,snowandlove,
while others are painful, like war, starvation, and frigidity. He starts to realize how dull and hypocritical life in his community is. Jonas wishes to share his experiences to people he loves. But atthesametime,heisindignantthathehastobeartheburdenofanguishforthecitizens.
Meanwhile, Jonas is helping his family take care of an infant, Gabriel, who has trouble sleeping soundly. When Gabriel is in danger of being released, the Giver divulges to Jonas that release actually means death. Jonas’rage at this cruel truth inspires the Giver to devise a plan to change the inequity and save Gabriel. Jonas escapes from the community to Elsewhere with Gabriel so that all the memories Jonas has accumulated will be transmitted back to the citizens in thecommunity,forcingthemtoexperienceemotionsandremembertheirpast.
Is the community in “The Giver utopian or dystopian?” There’s not a definite answer. It all hinges on your own definition of a utopia – do you view peace and contentment where there is no bloodshed, tears, or poverty over liberty? Perhaps it is this ambiguity and thought provocation that makeliteratureenticing.
TheMazeRunner
JamesDashner
The Maze Runner series is a spellbinding dystopian saga that delves into a world riddled with chaos, mystery,andsurvival.Withitsdystopianbackdrop,this seriespaintsavividpictureofasocietyonthebrinkof collapseandexplorestheresilienceofthehumanspirit in the face of unimaginable challenges. Set in a post-apocalyptic world, The Maze Runner series introduces readers to Thomas, a young boy who finds himself thrust into the heart of a mysterious and treacherousmazeknownastheGlade.
AsThomasjoinsagroupofboysknownastheGladers,hediscoversthat they have been trapped within the maze for years, battling against its deadly inhabitants and struggling to find a way out. The maze itself serves as a haunting metaphor for the oppressive society that they find themselvesin,whererulesareenforced,secretsarekept,andhopeseems elusive.
Dashner's portrayal of this dystopian society is chilling and thought-provoking. Through the lens of the Gladers, readers witness the harsh realities of a world where memory has been tampered with, and the truepurposeoftheirexistenceremainsobscured.Astheseriesprogresses, the characters are confronted with the morally ambiguous actions of the powerful organization known as WICKED, which oversees their ordeal. The seriesraisesprofoundquestionsaboutthenatureofauthority,control,and thelengthstowhichsocietywillgointhenameofsurvival.
The Maze Runner series stands out for its exploration of the human psyche amidst a crumbling society. Dashner skillfully captures the toll thatlivinginadystopianworldtakesonthecharacters.Theirresilience, camaraderie, and unwavering determination in the face of adversity become poignant symbols of hope and resistance. The series examines the blurred lines between good and evil, as characters grapple with difficult choices, moral dilemmas, and the consequences oftheiractions.
Moreover, it is a compelling read that immerses readers in a richly imagined dystopian world. James Dashner's skillful storytelling transports us to a society teetering on the edge of collapse, where survival becomes paramount, and the quest for truth becomes a driving force. With its thought-provoking themes, heart-pounding action,andcomplexcharacters,thisseriesoffersarivetingexploration of the human spirit under duress. If you are drawn to dystopian tales that challenge societal norms and delve into the depths of human resilience,TheMazeRunnerseriesisanabsolutemust-read.Prepareto be captivated by a world where the line between hope and despair blurs, and where the power of the human spirit shines brightest in the darkest of times. And prepare to face the impossible question of whether giving up freedom and independence in exchange for so-called“peace”,isworthit.
ByErinChan4B
The Handmaid’s Tale
by 4B Angel Woo
MargaretAtwood’s1985novel“TheHandmaid’sTale” is a seminalworkofdystopianfictionthatcontinuesto captivateanddisturbreaders.Setinanear-future UnitedStatestransformedintothetotalitarianRepublic ofGilead,thestoryfollowsthelifeofOffred,a “Handmaid”whosesolepurposeistobearchildren fortherulingclass.
Atwood’s haunting portrayal of Gilead’s oppressive theocratic regime is a masterful exploration of the themes of totalitarianism, gender subjugation, and the fragility of personal freedom. The reader is immediately immersed in a chilling world where women are stripped of theirautonomyandforcedtoconformtorigid,misogynisticsocietalroles.
Offred’s first-person narration poignantly conveys the trauma, fear, and inconspicuous acts of resistance that characterize life under such a dystopiansystem.
What makes “The Handmaid’s Tale” so compelling is its unsettling plausibility. Atwood draws upon historical precedents of religious fundamentalism,authoritariancontrol,andthemarginalizationofwomen to craft a dystopia that feels disturbingly close to home. The novel's themesofsubjugation,surveillance,andthestruggleforindividualagency remain strikingly relevant in our own turbulent times, echoing the real-worldoppressionandhumanrightsviolationsthatcontinuetoplague societiesaroundtheglobe.
Gilead’s totalitarian regime is a chilling extrapolation of conservative Christian extremism, where a small group of male leaders have seized absolutepowerandrelegatedwomentostrictlydefined,subservientroles. Offred and her fellow Handmaids are subjected to ritualized rape, forced towearidentifyingredcloaksandwhitebonnets,
and forbidden from reading, writing, or engaging in any meaningful work outside of their reproductive function. The level of control exerted by Gilead’s authorities, from the Guardians who patrol the streets to the Eyes who monitor citizens’ every move, is a haunting reflection of how authoritarianismcanerodethemostfundamentalhumanrights.
Yet Atwood’s dystopia is not simply a tale of oppression; it is also a story of resilience, defiance, and the indomitable human spirit. Offred’s internal monologue, which shifts between memories of her former life and her present-day struggle for survival, is a powerful testament to the ways in which the human mind can resist and subvert even the most totalitarian of regimes. Her quiet acts of rebellion, from hoarding forbidden contraband to forging forbidden connections with others, serve as beacons of hope in thefaceofoverwhelmingdarkness.
Whether you are a fan of dystopian fiction or seeking a thought-provoking exploration of power, gender, and the human condition, “The Handmaid’s Tale” is a must-read. Atwood’s masterful storytelling and the novel’s enduring relevance make it a modern classic that will leave a lasting impact on the reader. In a world that often seems to be hurtling towards dystopian nightmares, this book serves as a sobering reminder of the importance of vigilance, resistance, and the ongoing fight for freedom and humandignity.
RAS Winning Entries
書名: 貓城記
作者: 老舍
By2AEllenZhang
《貓城記》這本書是以「我」為主人公的一本諷刺長篇小 說。「我」是一個地球人，「我」 和「我」的朋友搭乘飛機計劃去火星探險，飛機意外墜落，朋友死了，而身上只有一把裝 著 12顆子彈的手槍和一盒火柴的「我」流落到了貓人國。「我」在貓人國遇到了大蠍、小 蠍、 迷、公使太太 等貓人。「我」看清了貓人國經濟、政治、教育和軍事等腐敗。當外國人 來攻打貓人國時，
貓人國毫無還手之力，並在 內戰不斷的情況下很快就滅亡了。後來， 「我」 在火星上遇到法國的探險飛機，才將「我」帶回地球。
看完這本書之後，我看到了政治黑暗的一面，有人 說作者老舍是在反映當時社會的 腐敗，並加以 嘲諷。 我對貓人國的教育，婦女悲慘的人生和貓人的愚昧無知都有深刻的 體會。作者將貓人國對比現在的社會和政治管理，二者真的是天壤懸隔；我明白了吸收知 識和男女平等的重要性，也了解了那些愚蠢的貓人為國家帶來的負面影響。除此之外， 我還很欣賞老師舍文筆，他用簡潔的文字清楚的交代了 整個故事的發展，也用了許多人 物描寫手法和人物對話來讓讀者有身臨其境的感覺。
貓人國的教育可謂是一敗塗地。貓人國的教育是輪環教育，唸過書、畢了業的人就 可以去 當老師。畢業的人那麼多，哪裡有足 夠的教師名額，貓人為了爭搶一個教席，引起 內戰，甚 至殺人也不稀奇。學生在所謂的學校 內學到些甚麼呢? 其實貓人國的學校是沒 有傳授佑識的，全部學生都是在為自己做老師而鋪路罷了。真正的想認真讀書的人，只 能高薪聘請老師，但真正能請老師的富人屈指可 數。「我」在貓人國看到最震驚的一幕是 學生正在解剖校長和職員 ，但當「我」了解貓人國的教育後，這也算是 說得過去了，看似 賣力工作的人們，也不過是為 了那些薪水。「我」也在貓人國也與那些年老的和年輕的學 者交談過，那些學者很驕傲、自以為是，裝作什麼都明白，但他們口中都是聊一 些不正當 的話題，例如妓女、「我」的衣服等。其實可以 說貓人國是沒有人有正式接受過教育的，這 也造成了這個社會的素質極低。我到此意識到了學習的重要性，就算在貓人國，也要受 過「教 育」的人才能過上較好的生活 ，在現在的社會也一樣，只有知識是自己最強大的後 盾和對人生最 有幫助的利器。
貓人國的教育可謂是一敗塗地。貓人國的教育是輪環教育，唸過書、畢了業的人就 可以去 當老師。畢業的人那麼多，哪裡有足 夠的教師名額，貓人為了爭搶一個教席，引起 內戰，甚 至殺人也不稀奇。學生在所謂的學校 內學到些甚麼呢? 其實貓人國的學校是沒 有傳授佑識的，全部學生都是在為自己做老師而鋪路罷了。真正的想認真讀書的人，只 能高薪聘請老師，但真正能請老師的富人屈指可 數。「我」在貓人國看到最震驚的一幕是 學生正在解剖校長和職員 ，但當「我」了解貓人國的教育後，這也算是 說得過去了，看似 賣力工作的人們，也不過是為 了那些薪水。「我」也在貓人國也與那些年老的和年輕的學 者交談過，那些學者很驕傲、自以為是，裝作什麼都明白，但他們口中都是聊一 些不正當 的話題，例如妓女、「我」的衣服等。其實可以 說貓人國是沒有人有正式接受過教育的，這 也造成了這個社會的素質極低。我到此意識到了學習的重要性，就算在貓人國，也要受 過「教 育」的人才能過上較好的生活 ，在現在的社會也一樣，只有知識是自己最強大的後 盾和對人生最 有幫助的利器。
貓人國的教育可謂是一敗塗地。貓人國的教育是輪環教育，唸過書、畢了業的人 就可以去 當老師。畢業的人那麼多，哪裡有足 夠的教師名額，貓人為了爭搶一個教席， 引起內戰，甚 至殺人也不稀奇。學生在所謂的學校 內學到些甚麼呢? 其實貓人國的學 校是沒有傳授佑識的，全部學生都是在為自己做老師而鋪路罷了。真正的想認真讀書 的人，只能高薪聘請老師，但真正能請老師的富人屈指可 數。「我」在貓人國看到最震 驚的一幕是學生正在解剖校長和職員 ，但當「我」了解貓人國的教育後，這也算是 說得 過去了，看似賣力工作的人們，也不過是為 了那些薪水。「我」也在貓人國也與那些年 老的和年輕的學者交談過，那些學者很驕傲、自以為是，裝作什麼都明白，但他們口中 都是聊一 些不正當的話題，例如妓女、「我」的衣服等。其實可以 說貓人國是沒有人有 正式接受過教育的，這也造成了這個社會的素質極低。我到此意識到了學習的重要性， 就算在貓人國，也要受過「教 育」的人才能過上較好的生活 ，在現在的社會也一樣，只 有知識是自己最強大的後盾和對人生最 有幫助的利器。
貓人國婦女的待遇讓人為之落淚。「我」有一段時間住在公使太太那裡，公使太太 與八 個婦人 同住。在一次大雨之後，房屋坍塌，八個婦人都死了，只有公使太太倖存， 看到那些婦人死了， 公使太太也發瘋地開始訴委屈了。那八個婦人都是公使買來的， 全部都纏著公使，像宮鬥一樣， 防備那個，打這個，罵那個，每天都不得安寧，生了孩 子都要嫉妒、 謀害，一個孩子都沒活下來 ，婦人只有得寵才能有一點地位。公使死後， 所以婦人都跟著 公使太太，公使太太每天苦口相勸 ，可是一點也沒用。我可以看出，貓 人國多麼的卑視婦女，那些婦女有多自卑，只能不擇手段地去吸引男人，以得到一點好 處。在這種重 男輕女的社會，婦女別無選擇。現在的社會，是 男女平等的，只有這樣， 才能讓每個人都 有屬於自己的生活。女人可以有自己的事業，發展自己 的獨立人格。
貓人追求自由，他們所謂的自由是欺辱別人，不合作，為所欲為。貓人的愚昧已 經是無可 救藥的了，整個國度裏，唯一能看清事實的就只有小蠍 —— 「我」的貓人朋 友。當敵國進攻貓人國的時候，敵人在西邊而所有貓人都往東邊走，往東走的貓人 說 「因為東邊安全 啊」，學者說「我們到東邊去見皇帝，去開會議，救國是大家的事」，軍人 們也往平安的地 方調動，因為他們太愛國 了。而小蠍命令自己和父親大蠍的軍隊去抗 敵，敗下來的軍人看到小蠍就破口大罵， 說騙他們去當兵，還不讓他們拿外國人給的錢 ，他們才不願意為 了小蠍賣命。貓國人的愚昧和糊塗造成了國家的滅亡。有的人逃去 安全的地方，有的人覺得根本不需要理會，有的人覺得他們還可以慢悠悠地坐下來商 討一下該怎麼做，沒有人願意去應戰，在他們還沒有意識到危險時，國家就已經注 定 滅亡了。老舍在書中運用了很多心理描寫和動作描寫。在文章開頭的時候，「我」 對來 到火星是很好奇的，但在朋友的屍體被鷹啄食的時候、「我」應被貓人抓走的時候， 老 舍寫出了「我」的無助和懼怕。貓國人先是握著「我」的手，再箍著， 再掐著，動作步步進 迫，令讀者感受到其中的張力。「我」也十分後悔沒有開一槍嚇走貓國人，「我」的 內心不 斷的質問自己我該為甚麼沒有那麼做、我現在該做些甚麼，表露出一種強烈的自責和 不知所措。這本書觸法了我對社會的思考，也讓我了解到腐敗的國度是怎樣的。我非常 喜歡這篇小說
RAS Winning Entires
書名: 被消失的人情味
作者: 周淑屏
By1DConstanceShek
親愛的作者：
您好！我是石蕙榣。我覺得您所撰寫的小 說《被消失的人情味》十分好看！無論是寫作手 法或是故事情節，都令我有耳目一新的感覺！
您在小説中把不同的人物故事分為幾個章節來敘述，但是他們都各自遇到不同大大小小 的問題，他們所在的地方
香港有著濃濃的人情味，所以我想這也令許多人，包括我也有同感 的。例如：故事的開頭有一家因爲一直堅守傳統配方的涼茶舖面臨倒閉，老闆也十分惋惜，他 在倒閉前
的最後一個願望是他的師傅能看到他的店舖，但他倆已經有十多年沒見面了，沒想到冥冥中 自
有天意，他在朋友的一家酒樓裏遇上了他的師傅，他的師父喝過一杯改良過的涼茶後，非但 沒有負面的批評，反而讚賞。因爲這幾年師父在國外治病後，不能喝太甜的東西，而這杯涼茶 就剛好符合他的要求。如果沒有朋友幫忙，他怎能讓師傅喝下他的涼茶呢？這就是這本書的 主旨 人情味，而且也教導了我們不要死守着傳統，有時侯跟著時代而變化也是一種好的選 擇。
作者您在撰寫這篇小説時在一個道理上更多加上一番道理，就像涼茶舖這個故事一樣， 能讓讀者
們在同一個章節上認識到兩個道理，從而讓讀者們更加深刻的得到 啟發。您也把《我在唐樓發 現了情》一系列的故事安排在了這本書裏，尤其讓我印象深刻的是有一家三口住在唐樓裏，因 為對唐樓的既定印象而認為那裏的人是沒禮貌、不講衛生和沒安全意識的，但是有一天，他 們樓上的阿姨因嗅到有煤氣泄漏的氣味，就跑到樓下挨家挨 戶地拍門詢問，而他們也一起幫 忙詢問，最後才發現是誤會一場，最後他們請那位阿姨進屋聊天，才發現居民並非如想像中 那麽差，所以對唐樓的既定印象有了翻天覆地的變化。他們開始和鄰居聊天，甚至在他們女 兒生日當天邀請他們到家作客。這個故事教導了我不要用既定的印象去看別人，我們應該先 瞭解了別人的性格才選擇與不與那個人做朋友。
謝謝作者您寫了這本小説，這本書對我有很多啓發，不但讓我學習了很多人生道理，還 能學到不同的寫作手法。
RAS Winning Entires
書名: 霓虹燈下說散聚
作者: 唐啟灃
By 3A Crystal Yao
說完再見後各人也要回到工作崗位,繼續在自己的人生路上邁步向前。每一次說 「再見」都會有截然不同的心情，或許是依依不捨，或許是感恩曾經的相遇，或許 是淚流滿面的傷感因為有些「再見」象徵着未來再次的見面，而有些是永遠不會 再見了。本書於2022年5月出版，作者於疫情肆虐期間寫作此書。疫情期間，面對 逝去的親人，即將移民的好友，逐漸疏遠的親朋好友，我們都說了數不清的「再 見」。
作者以自己日常生活中那些瑣碎的「再見」為開首，然後走進舊式雜貨店試筆時 有感而發留下意昧深長的問題：「再見是甚麼？」與老闆交談後，老闆示意作者寫 下心中的答案，而作者只是黯然神傷地留下了一句「再見是痛苦的。」便離開了。 作者卻没有立刻在下一章節繼續述說自己與老闆後來發生的事，反而開始記述 一個又一個充滿共鳴的小故事：昔日摯友各散東西，甜蜜過後分別的愛侶，機場 內的告別，單向的再見，全部都圍繞着書中的主題「再見」。作者巧妙地利用各個 獨立的故事，訴說出告別一刻的唏噓。觸動人心的小故事是無數生活在霓虹燈下 的香港人的真實寫照。
看完前面各個扣人心弦的故事，我已經忘記了開首作者與老闆的邂逅。看到後記
時，才驚訝地發現作者運用了首尾呼應的寫作技巧。「再見是甚麼？」想必小故書 中每一位主角對於這個問題都有不同的見解和答案。原來再見並不一定是痛苦 的，它又何嘗不是另一經歷的開始呢？告別了朋友 ,伴侶，親人後我們都會有所
領悟，例如與昔日友人疏遠後會看到友誼的難能可貴，恍然大悟後再主動維繫和 捉緊那些雙方仍然重視的友情。
最後作者偶爾看到了雜貨店老闆在自己的回答前後加上了數個字「好好說再見是 痛苦的終結。」原來這就是店主的答案。
讀畢全書，我對作者與雜貨店老闆在試筆紙上的對話內容留下了深刻的印象，短 短的對話概括了書的主題和讀者的心境變化。在散聚有時的年代，願所有人都能 在每一次流着淚的告別後學會珍身邊一切的人與事，再勇敢地展開新的一天。
RAS Winning Entries
Title:TheVegetarian
Author:HanKang
By3ACharisseLam
The Vegetarian, which won The Man Booker International Prize 2016, is a literary fiction. The novel which was originally written by Han Kang in Korean and translated intoEnglishbyDeborahSmithispublishedbyPortobelloBooks.
The Vegetarian is a story which takes place in Seoul, South Korea. One day, a housewifenamedYeong-hyethrowsoutallthemeatpresentinthehouse.Sheannounces that she is a vegetarian following her mysterious nightmare. The book is split into three parts. The first is in Yeong-hye’s husband, Mr Cheong’s perspective, which illustrates Yeong-hye’s abrupt decision and her family’s unpleasant reaction. The second part is narratedbyYeong-ho,Yeong-hye’sbrother-in-law’sthird-personperspectiveinwhich he becomes deeply obsessed with her body and utilises it to create a sensual art piece. The third part, in In-hye, Yeong-hye’s elder sister’s point of view, delineates Yeong-hye’s situation in the hospital and In-hye’s reflection upon herself and contemplation about mortality.
The third part, in particular, caught my attention. Having sent Yeong-hye to the hospital who suffers from anorexia and schizophrenia, In-hye starts to visit her regularly. She now gradually acknowledges that her sister’s ultimate wish is to rebel against violence and therefore stops eating all in and has a desire for a plant-life. Being a loyal sister despite at first feeling disgusted by the behaviour, she later develops sympathy for Yeong-hye. She eventually learns that it is impossible to perceive everything about a person since so much can change in the blink of an eye. “As a daughter, as an older sister, as a wife and as a mother, as the owner of a shop, even as an underground passenger on the briefest of journeys, she has always done her best.”As a child, In-hye has always possessed the strength to live one’s own life. Nevertheless, she realises that nobody can have total control over life and that her present life is not the one which she envisions.
A unique part of this book is that the story is illustrated from different points of view. This gives the readers a comprehensive understanding of Yeong-ho’s deteriorating physicality and her relationship with her family. Furthermore, the slaughtering in Yeong-ho’s dream is described as bloody and horrifying, bringing the whole action to life. The nature of the characters is portrayed gradually throughout the book letting us take in the details. During the third part, Kang allows the readers to ponder about life by continuouslybringingupbracingquestionsfromtheperspectiveofIn-hye.
To sum up, The Vegetarian is a captivating yet exquisite book. On top of that, it is thought-provoking and allows us to further reflect on our lives and ourselves. This is an idealnovelforpeoplewhohopetodigdeeperintotheaspectofhumanity.
RAS Winning Entries
Title:AmericanPrometheus:TheTriumphandTragedyofJ.RobertOppenheimer
Author:KaiBirdandMartinJ.Sherwin
By3AJacarriChan
American Prometheus, a biographical masterpiece written by Kai Bird and Martin J. Sherwin over the span of 25 years, chronicles the extraordinary life of J Robert Oppenheimer, the father of the atomic bomb . As the narrative delves into the scientific complexities of the Manhattan Project, the facets of Oppenheimer also begin to unfold before our eyes, creating a beautifulsymphonyofartandscience.
Thewritershavecreatedaspellbindingaccountofthemanatthecenterofoneofthe,ifnot themost,importanteventsinthetwentiethcenturybyweavingmeticulousresearchinthearcof his life. It paints a vivid picture of the different aspects of his life, while striking a perfect balance by making the scientific concepts comprehensible without sacrificing the literal depth oftheretelling.
In the span of seven hundred pages, Oppenheimer is not merely the scientific genius who everyone praised to be, but an individual who tries to grapple with the weight of his decision, one which may lead to the death of civilization. Its title American Prometheus seals his fate. After reaching the apogee of his scientific life, he was left with the blood of thousands on his hands, who died because of his very own creation. He sought control of the weapons to come, fought against the politicians in countless conferences, only to be stripped of his freedom and dignity.“LikethatrebelliousGreekgodPrometheus–whostolefirefromZeusandbestowedit uponhumankind,
Oppenheimergaveusatomicfire.Butthen,whenhetriedtocontrolit,whenhesoughttomake us aware of its terrible dangers, the powers-that-be, like Zeus, rose up in anger to punish him.” Its exploration on the moral dilemma of the atomic bomb poses a question before readers, prompting us to consider the ethical implications of scientific advancement and the world-changing impacts they hold on humanity, both good and bad. It goes beyond a well-nuancedbiographyintoacrossroadofscienceandhumannature.
NotonlyisJRobertOppenheimer’slifeatriumph,thebookAmericanPrometheusisalsoa triumph in itself, intertwining science, history and politics in the beauty of its writing. They have crafted a book that stands to be the epitome of its genre, guiding readers through the intricaciesofamostcomplexman’sstorywithtwentyfiveyearsworthofresearchacrosspages of interviews, transcripts and letters, leaving us with a tapestry of emotions of what it means to belivinginaworldthatisever-changing.
Editorial board
Student editors:
4D Luna Fong 4B Bernice Lau 4C Cherry Siu
4D Phoebe Luk 4D Scarlet Shair 4B Erin Chan
4B Angel Woo 4B Amorette Chung
Teacher Advisor: Ms Candice Ng
Acknowledgements
MsCaraCheng(Principal)
MsGladysWoo
MrNickChan
MsKatieLaw
MsKennyChan