because my computer crashed and i don't trust the schools desktop and homework needs to get done. so much needs to get done. no sleep. no weep.

Meaghan Tardif-Bennett

102- Studies in Genre

March 29^th, 2011

Personal Responses

1. If the James Bond series or simply Casino Royale was maintained but without James Bond’s love interest, the novel and series would lack crucial balance. As the protagonist of the novel, you have this man carrying through his life seemingly living like a machine. Simply riding off of instructions and being used as a pawn, he is expected to function flawlessly and with no causalities. That amount pressure and importance is stressed and shown as he carries through his routine involving checking for break-ins by his windows and doors. Though he never completely lets his guard down with a particular individual – such as with Vesper – not only does that permit James Bond a break from his robotic duties, but it shows a side of Bond that a reader can relate to. Without that sense of vulnerability, those reading it would see nothing more than a series of action scenes and would feel no personal change or relation to the character of Bond.

2. The Berlin Wall’s creation was a perfect demonstration of people’s unwillingness evolve and would prefer to There is this constant attempt to keep a particular idea or view untouched or tamed by outer influences. I believe the Berlin Wall was a perfect demonstration of the pains related to stubbornness. I view this almost as if it were a child putting fingers in their ears and singing to keep out a voice of reason. Unwilling to listen to the voice of reason or of logic, they built a barrier to keep themselves in the dark from everyone else. It still painted a horrible picture of what people can do for fear of the unknown. Thinking back to when there was a dying man caught in wires, neither side took a stand for the individuals but rather kept quiet for the fear of what the other side would do. It shows how citizens of the community have become the middleman to a larger fight – all becoming casualties.

3. Two of the main reasons as to why spies are wiling to compromise everything for a mission is selfish and thus mainly being money and power. To be able to be in control and know so much of what is going on is something that many individuals seek. One of the examples shown to us was where a spy’s husband ended up being the agent spying on her and giving up all her information. The business is a domino effect of people wanting to be something more than average and will compromise and trust, morals, and bonds for personal gain. Whether that be the simple thrill of living a double life or because of the risks and the paycheck varies. However, all equally aren’t afraid to lose everything at the opportunity of what can be gained.

4. When comparing the movie “The Spy Who Came in from the Cold” to the book, the relationship between Leamas and Liz was what I found was so drastically different. To specify, it would be in the final scenes and chapters of the story. In the book, you gather that Liz is more personally involved with Leamas as she reminisces of her intimate moments in Leamas’ arms in bed and so on. Though their relationship is always seen as isolated and very cold, in the movie, it is greatly exaggerated. When Leamas finally informs Liz of the truth with Fiedler in the film, it seems as though he was catapulted into trusting Liz and showing that vulnerability and then suffering the consequences by seeing her die and eventually being killed. However, in the novel, their bond felt more mutual when Leamas eventually confided in Liz of his troubles and impending doom. Instead of simply having Liz die for his actions and information, he decided to take the hit as well.