Thursday, April 22, 2010
Motorcycle Diaries
One of the first scenes that I think helped prepare Ernesto Guevara to be a revolutionary leader was when they fell off the motorcycle and found the puppy. He picked up the puppy and wanted to care for the helpless animal. Later when he gives the puppy to his girlfriend, I think it shows that he wants it to have a good home and knows the best place is not with him. Another scene is when he looks at the neck of the farmer. Alberto is telling the farmer that Ernesto is a doctor and can help him. Ernesto honestly tells the farmer that it is a tumor and he should see a specialist. Alberto tells Ernesto he should have said they would help so they could have food and a place to stay. Ernesto says, " help him with what prayers?" I won't lie at the price of someones health. Ernesto was honest and wouldn't compromise the health of the farmer for food and a place to stay. A third scene which helps shape him as a leader was when he was called to help an elderly woman. He asks if she has eaten and gives some pills for her to take. When he examines her he makes eye contact and is very compassionate throughout his assessment. In a letter to his mother he stated he knew he really couldn't help her. The fourth scene was when they were walking in the desert and met another man and lady walking. They were talking about the land that was their grandfathers that they got kicked off, and how they had to leave their son. They were looking for work in the mines. Ernesto, we find out later, gave them the money from his girlfriend. Ernesto also gives them his blanket. In the morning, people come and choose people that are on rocks to work at the mine. Ernesto tells the mining workers the people are thirsty and is ignored, he thows a rock at the truck. In a letter to his mother, he writes about peoples eyes that darken with tragedy and how their friends disappear. He describes it as the coldest night of his life. There are many more scenes that help shape him as a leader, but one of my favorites was his birthday. He was so touched by the thoughtfulness of the people and how they really wanted to make his birthday special.
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Susan,
ReplyDeleteYou make very good points throughout your blog. Ernesto was a very compassionate person. There are many scenes throughout the film that influence him as a future leader. I would have to agree with your favorite scene. I know you said what your favorite is, but what do you think is the most influential scene out of the film? The whole trip was an influence on his personality and life. Another scene that you did not mention would be his interactions with the leper’s at the hospital. He earned their trust immediately by not wearing gloves. They showed their appreciation by bringing him food after the Nun told he wasn’t going to be served. I also liked the fact that you mentioned his letters to his Mother throughout your blog. It’s a good blog! See you in class!
Tara McFadden
Yes, I agree, I think the first three scenes that you describe display no major influence other than reveling who Ernesto is already. However, your fourth scene and the one Tara mentions are very remarkable.
ReplyDeleteAnother thought to consider is that being compassionate is an attribute of mankind. Not every one displays it at the same level, and not every compassionate people necessarily becomes a prominent leader.