Noughts and Crosses - Week 3

The main themes that are presented in Noughts and Crosses are racism and forbidden love.
Racism in the world of Noughts and Crosses is made apparent by the black and white of the cover and descriptions of Crosses' antagonism towards Noughts. However, instead of writing about white-against-black racism, Malorie Blackman chose to reverse the usual positions so that black ruled over white. This unusual situation helps to further develop the theme of racism, forcing the reader to think harder to become used to that kind of racism. The Crosses' actions towards the Noughts are expected by the Noughts, and though they know that they do not deserve it, most never fight back.

Forbidden love is explored by the Romeo and Juliet kind of relationship between Callum and Sephy. Similar to Romeo and Juliet, Sephy and Callum's familes are wary of the other's family and race, displaying more prejudice. The two also are desperate to be together, but other conflicts come between them, such as harassment at school, deaths of family members and a harmful crime being commited.

Five interesting words:
1. Subpoena - pg. 265
A writ commanding someone to appear in court.
2. Corroborate - pg. 279
To give supporting evidence.
3. Dignitary - pg. 291
A person of high rank or position.
4. Reprieve - pg. 315
Postponement of a punishment.
5. Dogsbody - pg. 325
Someone who does menial tasks.

Noughts and Crosses - Week 2

The character Callum McGregor is one of my favourite characters. Callum has dreams of being something important to the world and making a difference, but is held back by the limitations on Noughts that have been set by both Noughts and Crosses. I can't really relate to him, as I probably won't be in that kind of serious situation in my whole life. However, I think that what motivates Callum to do things the way he does is his determination to find a way to be with Sephy and make her happy. Even when he turned Sephy away at school, it was to protect her from others who would persecute her for associating with Noughts in a friendly way. Also, Lynette's suicide made him swear to live and never give up on life.

Five interesting words:
1. Scepticism - pg. 141
Disbelief of claims of ultimate knowledge.
2. Patronizing - pg.155
Condescending in an offensive way.
3. Audacity - pg.177
Aggressive boldness or daring.
4. Ineffectual - pg. 177
Not able to produce intended results.
5. Cretin - pg. 203
An idiot.

Noughts and Crosses - Week 1

My first impression of Noughts and Crosses is that it has an intriguing plot that will no doubt have many twists and turns. The prologue alone conveys a sort of tension in the atmosphere, as if a bomb is about to go off (as it mentions in the blurb, although it is not known if it is figurative or literal). The last line of the prologue: "And that was the night that Lynette disappeared..." immediately made me want to read on, instead of boring me with details, as many prologues have.
So far, the characters of Callum and Sephy have been outlined excellently. Both of their families have dark pasts, some of which has already been explained (for example, Callum's sister, Lynette). I believe that later in the story, both Callum and Sephy will have to choose between the other, and something else of great importance (most likely family or friends).

Five interesting words:

1.Prospect - pg. 17
Something that is expected.
2. Fracas - pg. 69
A noisy fight.
3. Hypocrite - pg 127
A person who pretends to have morals or values (eg. honesty) when they actually don't.
4. Blanker (used throughout)
Extremely offensive slang for a Nought.
5. Dagger (used throughout)
Offensive slang for a cross.

Peaceful Warrior - Q1

Are there no ordinary moments in life? How would you explain this idea to a friend?


There are no ordinary moments in life. Life is everything and everywhere, and every single moment something amazing is happening to someone or something. There are about 6,852,472,823 people living on this planet. Whether you are feeling happy or sad at this moment, it is not ordinary at all. Life in itself is truly amazing, and can never be called ordinary.