Book
Blog 3: The Black Canary By Jane Louise Curry
Step
1:

Curry, Jane L. The
Black Canary. N.p.: Margaret K. McElderry Books, 2005. N. pag. Print.
Summary:
The Black Canary is a book that revolves around James,
a twelve year old boy, who just wants to go home. Here is the deal, both his
parents are musicians and he is supposed to become one even though it is the
last thing on earth he wants to be. He and his family go on a family trip to
London, and he honestly just hated it the second he arrived. But in a twist in fate he finds a door that
leads him to the 1660’s, he tries to get back but the door locks and
disappears. He is forced to join the royal chapel and impress the Queen. If he
does that will he be able to go back to the time he is from? Read the book to
find out.
Step 2:
Historical Setting:
This book mainly takes place in the 1660’s,
London. The Chapel Royal is a choir and it was first established in 635A.D. The
only comparison would be that in the book they were a lot more open to people.
In the actual Chapel Royal they only picked classified students that went to
proper schools. "The Chapel Royal." The Official Website of The British Monarchy . N.p., n.d. Web. 21 Mar. 2014. <http://www.royal.gov.uk/TheRoyalResidenc
Effect of Historical Setting on Theme:
The whole point of the theme was because of the
historical setting. If not for that, James would just be considered trapped in
a horror film. This time was picked especially for him so he can discover his
musical talent, and well hope to escape. (page148) Curry, Jane Louise. "Eleven." The Black Canary. New
York: Margaret K. McElderry Books, 2005. 148-149. Print.
Main Character(s):
James: James is a confused boy who is trying to
find a way to find a way for him to please his parents and him.
Thomas: Thomas is the second most important
character because he drags James into all of this. Thomas is a scared boy, and
he is very snobby.
Characterization Techniques:
The main characterization technique used was
reflection. The narrator was bringing James to life with the words, and you can
paint a picture with what he is saying. On page 149 for example, the author
says: “It was what he felt, a feeling he remembered from when he was very
small. The excitement of waking up in the mornings…” Curry, Jane Louise. "Eleven." The Black Canary. New
York: Margaret K. McElderry Books, 2005. 149. Print.
Point Of View:
The point of view is third person limited because
the narrator explains what the main character is feeling not all the characters
in the story.
Step 4:
Theme:
I think the theme of this book is at first change
versus tradition because James does not want to be a musician and carry on with
this whole “Music is the family business” and carry on with his OWN life.
Although as the plot changes, the theme becomes more of the desire to escape no
matter the cost. He just wants to go home so he decides to show off his musical
talents.
Reflection:
This book matters because it explains in detail
the point of the Royal Chapel, and it doesn’t do it in a bore you to death sort
of way. The only thing I didn’t like is that it does not describe the
environment properly or enough. I would give this book to a friend who enjoys
reading about music and overcoming challenges. I would give this book an 7.5/10,
one for the way they describe, and two for the genre. I really cannot see
myself in this book because I do not fit in any of the character traits, other
than I am human. In the end I do not think this book is all that. I get the
point of it and how it wants to educate children about music and education
itself. But the way it did that was not effective or any less boring than a
music book.
Step 5:
Vocab words:
Groped: to search for something blindly
Incisive: intelligent and clear minded.
Limbo: stuck in between to states.
Conspire: to plot something (usually evil).
Vanquish: to overcome something.
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