GREAT BOOKS REFLECTION PAPERS

LESSON 1

Throughout the discussion of group 1 about the topic of a journey to

America, I learned that Carlos Bulosan's book "America is in the Heart" is divided into
four parts with 49 chapters, recounts his experience immigrating to the United
States as a Filipino and the difficulties he encountered while pursuing the American
Dream. Through evocative and moving storytelling, Bulosan portrays Filipino
immigrants' hardships, injustices, and discrimination in the United States in the early
20th century. The novel's portrayal of the journey to America is one of adversity,
poverty, and exploitation mixed with resiliency, optimism, and the desire for a better
life. In his observations on his time in America, Bulosan illuminated the problematic
realities of living as an immigrant, the intricacies of identity, and the long-lasting
effects of institutional racism and prejudice, which I believe still exist even up to this
day.

After Erin and Alexis briefly discussed the novel, I still looked for information
about the characters and settings. But later that moment, Ma'am Jessa highlighted
those unanswered questions that lingered in my mind even after they explained
their topic. Upon Ma'am Jessa's discussion, I have understood that the complex and
intricately rendered characters in "America is in the Heart" depict a wide range of
immigration experiences and viewpoints. The protagonist specifically serves as a lens
through which to view the psychological and emotional ramifications of
discrimination, displacement, and the search for identity in a foreign land. The
complex depictions of community, solidarity, and the ties that arise in the face of
shared adversity provided by supporting characters are insightful. The novel's
settings, which range from the busy streets of American cities to the rural landscapes
of the Philippines, significantly influence the plot. The contrast between these
environments draws attention to the glaring differences in access, opportunity, and
social mobility that characterize the experience of immigrants and highlight the
difficulties and obstacles encountered by those looking to improve their lives abroad.

To sum up, "America is in the Heart" is a brilliant work that deftly blends
storyline, theme, characters, and settings to provide a moving and perceptive
examination of the experience of being an immigrant, the quest for the American
Dream, and the unwavering resilience of the human spirit in the face of hardship. By
carefully examining these qualities, the novel inspires readers to consider the
universal themes of hope, adversity, and perseverance that bind us all in our shared
humanity.
 Lesson 2

After listening to their report about literary elements, I learned a lot and
enjoyed it. Upon contemplation of the diverse academic components that add to the
complexity and profundity of a literary piece, I am captivated by the elaborate
tapestry they jointly weave, augmenting the reader's encounter and intensifying
their interaction with the text. With significance, emotion, and resonance that last
long after the last page is turned, each component contributes differently to the
creation of the story.

Setting plays a crucial role in a story, influencing the narrative's tone,

mood, and atmosphere, engaging readers in a realistic universe. The story's core
characters allow readers to delve into interpersonal relationships, human nature,
and emotions. Each character adds a distinct perspective, allowing readers to
empathize and consider the universal truths that bind us all.

Plot, conflict, and narrative structure create tension, suspense, and

momentum, while rising action, climax, and resolution develop a sense of narrative
coherence and fulfillment. The three main components influencing how the reader
perceives and interprets the text are Point of View, Theme, and Tone. Choosing a
point of view affects the reader's ability to understand the characters' motivations,
ideas, and feelings, while themes explore universal ideas, concerns, and dilemmas
relevant throughout time and culture. Tone imbues the work with mood,
atmosphere, and subtleties, while imagery, symbols, and literary devices add depth
and meaning to the story.

After they finished their report, Ma'am Jessa connected the literary elements
to the novel America Is in the Heart. She highlighted the most essential details, like
the narrative in the Philippines and America, highlighting the disparities in
opportunity and access that define the immigrant journey. The characters are
nuanced and multifaceted, representing unique perspectives on cultural
assimilation, discrimination, and the search for identity. The protagonist's journey is
a lens through which to explore themes of resilience, belonging, and the enduring
human spirit in the face of adversity. The novel's point of view, themes, and tone
create a powerful and resonant reading experience, allowing readers to gain insight
into the emotional and psychological impact of displacement and discrimination.
Using imagery, symbols, and narrative structure further enhances the novel's impact,
inviting readers to engage with its themes and characters on multiple levels.