Two different lifestyles.
As i read on in The Soloist, im starting to notice a strive for dominance in Nathaniels life. This struggle is between Nathaniel himself and Lopez.
Nathaniel seems to be happy with the life he is living. He is homeless, owns a wheel cart, his instruments, has no money or food, yet seems satisfied. Lopez doesn't understand how anyone, even one with mental illness can find this lifestyle appealing. Lopez seems to be almost forcing his own lifestyle and views on Ayers. Nathaniel is very resistant but eventually comes around to the idea of moving into an apartment and living a "normal" lifestyle.
What i really want to know in regards to Nathaniel, is just how conscience of his surroundings is he. Lopez sees Nathaniel as one who doesn't know any better. He feels that he is unaware of what is going on around him: such as being homeless, living in skid row around drug dealers and prostitutes. Nathaniel is living n a slum and Lopez does't understand why he he hasn't strived for more.
In my opinion i would have wanted Lopez to really try to understand Ayers; not jump in and be superman. It is however good that he is trying to help out Ayers, but that's not for everyone.
Thursday, June 4, 2009
The Soloist chapters 7-12
I have furtheer dived into "The Soloist". Being a musician I have taken a great interest in the relationship between Nathaniel and music. Nathaniel is a paranoid schizophrenic. He keeps to himself and is a loner. When he plays music however, he tends to calm down and is not bothered or set off by his surroundings. As part of background information and interest i looked up a career choice called Music Therapy.
Musiic therapy is defined as- Music therapy is the application of music to aid in the achievement of specific therapeutic goals. Music therapy can also be defined as the planned and creative use of music to attain and maintain health and well being. Music therapy is an established health service similar to occupational therapy and physical therapy. As a holistic treatment approach, music therapy focuses on the well being of the entire person, not just the part which is diseased or in distress.
-For people with Alzheimer's Disease and other Dementias music, especially familiar songs, unlocks memories; participation in music improves communication, overcomes withrawal.
-For people with Depression, music is a powerful modality for connecting to feelings, expressing thoughts, and overcoming isolation.
Nathaniel seems to have created a form of (self)-Music Therapy for himself. Nathaniel suffers from similar symptoms of the above. It explains that msic familiar songs unlock memories: possibly he is trying to remember his time at julliard school of music. Helps improve communication; he focuses better and is in a calmer state. Expresses thoughts and emotions; this could be helping him express himself and get out his feelings, Overcome isolation; this could be helping him feel less lonely, being homeless and wandering.
After really analizing Nathaniel, music has a deeper meaning than just joy of playing. His music really helps him feel comfortable within his own skin and helps him threw life
Musiic therapy is defined as- Music therapy is the application of music to aid in the achievement of specific therapeutic goals. Music therapy can also be defined as the planned and creative use of music to attain and maintain health and well being. Music therapy is an established health service similar to occupational therapy and physical therapy. As a holistic treatment approach, music therapy focuses on the well being of the entire person, not just the part which is diseased or in distress.
-For people with Alzheimer's Disease and other Dementias music, especially familiar songs, unlocks memories; participation in music improves communication, overcomes withrawal.
-For people with Depression, music is a powerful modality for connecting to feelings, expressing thoughts, and overcoming isolation.
Nathaniel seems to have created a form of (self)-Music Therapy for himself. Nathaniel suffers from similar symptoms of the above. It explains that msic familiar songs unlock memories: possibly he is trying to remember his time at julliard school of music. Helps improve communication; he focuses better and is in a calmer state. Expresses thoughts and emotions; this could be helping him express himself and get out his feelings, Overcome isolation; this could be helping him feel less lonely, being homeless and wandering.
After really analizing Nathaniel, music has a deeper meaning than just joy of playing. His music really helps him feel comfortable within his own skin and helps him threw life
Monday, June 1, 2009
The Soloist chapters 1-6
The Soloist is a real life story about a reporter Steve Lopez who meets a man named Nathaniel Ayers. Ayers is homeless and living on the street. He however possesses a talent and knack for music: cello and violin. Lopez is persistant and reachs out a helping hand to Ayers. Ayers is skeptical at first but slowly begins to open up.
What really caught my interest is Steve Lopez uncanny knack for finding interesting people for his stories. Lopez has done similiar stories like Ayers for other people. He takes interest in the underdog and those who have a major flaw. He knows exactly where to find his story and nourish it to bloom.
With Ayers, Lopez has raised him up to where his from. He took him off the streets and now has him sharing his talents with many. Is this all just for a good story? Or could this actually be on a true friend level?
What really caught my interest is Steve Lopez uncanny knack for finding interesting people for his stories. Lopez has done similiar stories like Ayers for other people. He takes interest in the underdog and those who have a major flaw. He knows exactly where to find his story and nourish it to bloom.
With Ayers, Lopez has raised him up to where his from. He took him off the streets and now has him sharing his talents with many. Is this all just for a good story? Or could this actually be on a true friend level?
Subscribe to:
Posts (Atom)
