Oh, No She Didn't / Rhetoric (Chapter 13/ Pages 146-155)

"Whenever they laughed, I laughed too just to be polite. Tommy seemed to be understanding things even less than me and was letting out hesitant little half-laughs that lagged some way behind. Ruth, though, was laughing and laughing, and kept nodding to everything being said about Martin just like she too was remembering them."

~ Never Let Me Go, page 150

As much as I dislike Ruth, I can't deny that she is very intelligent. Fake, but intelligent. She has mastered the use of rhetoric to act as if she knows much more than she actually does. This only earns her more respect from the veterans; being seen as their equal is obviously Ruth's goal. This has really frustrated me - it's like Ruth is in a play: a one-woman show of which she is the star actress. Her veteran audience is just laughing it up and having a grand old time, and she completely convinces them of the character she is portraying. But, more importantly, her technical crew, Kathy and Tommy, are pushing props in at the right time and keeping the spotlight on her when they could ruin this whole operation in a minute. Whether anyone knows it or not, the techies run the show from back stage, and they have the most responsibility when putting on a performance. So I laughed maniacally to myself when Tommy finally stopped complying with Ruth's show (it kind of made me flashback to that time when Kathy almost brought up the pencil case). However, Ruth snapped back and effectively shut Tommy up by bringing up a touchy incident from his past. Ruth's use of rhetoric allows her to manipulate the people she associates with through their communication.

He's Just Not That Into You... (Chapter 13/ Pages 186-197)

" 'What is it?' she almost screamed.
  And as though awakened by her cry he caught her by the shoulders and shook her. 'Whore!' he shouted. 'Whore! Impudent strumpet!' "

~ Brave New World, page 194

Wow. I am very appalled, with the amount of censorship these days (especially in a Catholic school), that we were permitted to read this book. Don't get me wrong, I really like it so far, but this scene just surprised me. I knew John was strong in his religion, but I didn't realize he was that passionate about his faith. He is very invested in his morals. I don't personally know many guys who would resist a naked woman throwing herself at them, but I can think of some examples in literature and movies!

In Just Friends, Samantha (Anna Farris) repeatedly attacks Chris (Ryan Reynolds) even though he is in love with another woman.

In He's Just Not That Into You, Gigi (Ginnifer Goodwin) throws herself at Alex (Justin Long), who explains to her why men act like they do, because she thinks she is his "exception" - she's not.










In Eclipse by Stephanie Meyer (yes, I am making a Twilight reference, and YES, I am ashamed!), Bella wants to have sex with Edward, but he denies her and runs away because he wants to be married first.