Tuesday, February 2, 2016

Solomon MacIvey - A discussion about A Land Remembered character


Solomon MacIvey was introduced in the first few chapters of the book. He was an older man who lived in Miami. Solomon was ashamed at all the destruction going on around him and therefore wanted to spend the rest of his days surrounded by nature as he once was during his childhood. He travels to see his Indian brother and asks him to join him on his journey. His brother refuses and said that they both have separate journeys they must take before they leave this earth. He gives away his beloved Rolls Royce to his chauffeur and enough money to take care of him and his family.

MacIvey realized that the land his ancestors depended on for survival was now seen as a business opportunity instead of for what it really was. His family started off relying on the land and he exploited that land for financial gain.

Solomon had a strong sense of place being surrounded by nature. He was taught how to live alongside the land and survive off of it. When he saw opportunity to build wealth by using the land he was consumed by greed and destroyed his sense of place. The legacy he left behind was none because he was the last of his family line. All he had to show for was money.

I don't relate to this character too much because I've always been conscious about the environment and its importance. I pick up trash when I'm walking on sidewalks, I don't litter, and I'm mindful of the environment around me so that I do not cause it harm. However, I'm sure that I'm not perfect. I have a car, I use a lot of electricity, and I'm sure I do other things that aren't great for the environment. Hopefully, we'll find ways to live how we want and respect the world around us at the same time before its too late.


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