Yes, I know. This is, for those of you who don't know, the final update on the White Mountains. It is, I'm afraid, a tragic and difficult time for some. And though you may be feeling an outburst of misery and despair; cheer up! This isn't literally my last blog post ever! Of course not! You will, guarantied, hear more from me. Though, it is my ultimate posting on the fabulous book, The White Mountains. Throughout my reading of this particular book; all of you people out there have been going on the "journey" with me. We've all been following Will, Henry, and Beanpole on their exciting voyage to the mountains, which has come to an end. My class and I have just finished the novel, and have, naturally, completed the worksheet and discussion that ties in with it. But, as you might have expected, there just has to be a post to go with everything as well. This post, has to do with the question: "How has Will changed during the course of the novel." This specific question has several answers and responses to it. Here are some of mine....
I'll begin with the fact that Will isn't as naive as he used to be. Throughout the course of his journey, Will had seen so much more of the World and was opened up to what it really was like and what it held. He caught sight of many man-made constructions and inventions, as well as old towns and villages. Will was able to see the real World for once and from that, gathered much information on what lay in the past as well as in his generation. In the beginning of the story, Will knew nothing about human capability and what they were able to produce and create. He wasn't aware of their independence; Will didn't realize what he was competent of doing or that humans created wondrous inventions by themselves. During this time, Will had himself thinking that everything made and developed came from the Tripods- that they were the only ones proficient enough to perform such tasks. "I fell silent. I was trying to imagine it, to see it in my mind as he had seen it in reality. But my mind could not accept it." (Pg.13) This quote was stated by Will; whilst he and a good friend Jack, were discussing the possibilities of man-made establishments. Jack had just explained to Will how he had actually seen the hulk of an old rusted ship, and how it was much bigger than their village. When Jack told Will that the ship was constructed by man, Will was at a loss for words. And that quote above, is what Will was thinking after Jack had explained. Will has obviously never been exposed to man-made developments or human ability; but throughout his voyage to the White Mountains, this changes. During his voyage, Will, for the very first time, sees some of the inventions and creations he had been hearing about. With this new discovery, Will grasps a new level of understanding and comprehension. He finally realizes what humans are capable of doing, and what they can construct. "There were thousands of shops, and we looked in many of them. Their contents amazed us. Great bolts of mildewed cloth, still showing weird colors and patterns; row on row of crumbling cardboard boxes, full of rotting leather shoes, musical instruments, a few familiar but most incredibly weird; figures of women, made from a strange hard substance, clothed in tattered remnants of dresses." This quote was stated also by Will, when he, Beanpole, and Henry were exploring the old town known as the City of Ancients. On the way to the mountains, they had to pass through the area, and the group decided to explore whilst traveling. From passing though the City of Ancients, Will was able to see some real evidence of what people had made before. He had then become aware that humans were in fact, capable of making amazing items and objects, and that the Tripods weren't the only ones. Will, throughout the novel, has become less naive and more conscious about his surroundings and people. This is one extremely big change I've seen in Will; but of course, there's more....
Aside from being more knowledgeable, Will has gained new found confidence and bravery. Throughout this journey, there were various difficult tasks and hardships along the way. Having to face these hassles and provide solutions, Will has definitely obtained bravery, and a little more confidence. "I was making a trail bite at the leather when he made the first cut, and my whole body jerked and I very nearly pulled my hand free from Henry's grasp. The pain was excruciating." This quote, as usual, was said by Will. This quote is referring to the event where Beanpole was cutting out a tracking device from Will's armpit. Let me explain this odd situation. There was a certain period in the book, where Will was abducted by a Tripod, but surprisingly let go with no harm done. Or so Will thought.... Later on in the journey, Beanpole notices a small, round, metal object embedded in Will's armpit. They discuss it for a while, and come to the conclusion that the metal substance is a tracking device which the Tripod implanted in Will, to be able to follow their group. The trio continually tries to leave the Tripod behind, but after several failed attempts, they decide it is completely impossible. This could prevent the boys from reaching the White Mountains, as they could be captured in the process. As a solution to this, Will decides that Henry and Beanpole should leave him to be found, and that they should carry on. Because without Will and his tracking device, Beanpole and Henry could possibly make it to the mountains. Trying to keep the group together, Beanpole suggests that since the device is not too deep in Will's skin, it is possible to cut it out with the knife they possess. Will actually goes through with the insane idea, and in the end does successfully get the device removed. Though, he had to go through a lot of pain and agony just to ensure the Tripod stopped following them, and that they can reach the mountains. The fact that Will really pushes through with this painful plan shows how brave and confident he is now. As a matter of fact, the event also portrays Will's dedication. He only allowed the painful incision because he was so determined to get to the mountains. He was, as I've said before, really brave to go through such suffering. In addition to all that, Will has acquired more knowledge on the Tripods. In Wherton, Will never really understood what the Tripods were and their capabilities. Throughout the course of this book, Will really made a transition, and now knows much more about them. He has a better comprehension of what and who they are, and is now more aware. "The others came to me. We stared up, in awe, at the Tripod. It stood there, titled slightly, but upright. From where we stood it showed no sign of damage. But it's tentacle drooped like a dead snake. Our tormentor would not torment us again." This quote, was naturally, spoken by Will. It deals with the event that had taken place a few moments before. Will was slowly being lifted to his demise by a Tripod, when he used the grenade that was thankfully placed in his hand. Will aimed and threw right at the tentacle clutching him, and tore it, letting himself fall right back down to the ground. The new information he gained on the Tripods, was that they in fact, had a weakness. The Tripods could be defeated with man-made objects. Though everyone insisted and believed Tripods were indestructible, Will had discovered they could be conquered using man-made constructions and weapons. This really explained why they kept human inventions a secret; because if people were aware of what they could create and produce, they could finally demolish the Tripods. Though the Tripods know they are bigger and stronger, they are still conscious and mindful that humans are intelligent and can be just as cunning. They could, for example, go to war with the Tripods and possibly win. To prevent this, the Tripods make sure all man-made structures are kept a secret. Even the littlest things like glasses are not to be discovered. I guess it's because when people realize they can make such objects, they will move on to bigger, more threatening items. Like weaponry and explosives. So basically, Will has discovered Tripods have an actual weakness. Throughout the book, Will has definitely developed a deeper understanding of the Tripods. He has also developed in bravery, dedication, confidence, and intelligence. Will has gained a lot from his voyage, and has really evolved as a character.
