" Kira : A New Life in the Old Village"

Kira in Gathering Blue by Lois Lowry has a bright future ahead of her. The strong bond that she has with her allies, Jo and Thomas , and her father, Christopher enable and strengthen her to believe in herself as a new leader in her society. Through her gift of weaving, she can construct a new society that is civilized, not barbaric as before. She can integrate the blue color brought from

" over yonder" to depict a glorious blue sky in the Singer's Robe signifying the freedom that they will all enjoy from now on. Citizens from over yonder , regardless of their handicap, can become integrated in Kira's society as first -class citizens. When everyone realizes Kira's well- meaning plan, he or she will collaborate on perfecting society and will be proud of putting all of his or her efforts in trying to improve and perfect it.

The Highwayman vs Tim

In the narrative poem, " The Highwayman" by Alfred Noyse, the highwayman may look dashing with his French hat, his leather pants and thigh-high boots, but is he the ideal man for Bess? The highwayman is locally perceived as a hero. Although he is a robber, he persuades his victims with such gallantry, that they don't hold his crimes against him. Those same tactics help him enamore Bess, who is so blindly in love with him that she betrays her father by keeping the realtionship a secret .In the 1700s,no respectful suitor visits his loved one at night and taps the windows to announce his visit. A true gentleman announces his visit by letter weeks before and awaits for an answer. He attends only if he receives an invitation or acknowledgement of his letter. Second, the highwayman has a plan to go west in search of a prize and come back to the inn to retrieve Bess. His determination and bravado show his imposing personality. Third, when he returns to the inn as he promises, unexpectedly, he flees to the west when he hears the gunshot. Moments before, Bess, plays in her memory his refrain," Look for me by moonlight, watch for me by moonlight, I'll come to thee by moonlight, though hell should bar the way." He does arrive ,but doesn't rescue her from her plight. How far is he willing to go to prove his love for Bess? Obviously not very far. He goes far, far to the west where he came from, as far away from Bess as possible, to save himself.
Tim , who is a mad, jealous stableman betrays Bess by advising King George's soldiers of the highwayman's whereabouts. Are Tim's actions justifiable? Tim's love for Bess is unknown and unrequitted. She loves the highwayman, not Tim, who although not rich, does have positive qualities. He has a steady job. He is a responsible citizen who reports a robber wanted by the King. Tim complies with his duties as a dignified, law-abiding citizen. When he makes the decision to inform the redcoats of the highwayman's plans, he certainly must not phathom the implications that his actions might have on Bess's fate.
Is the highwayman or Tim deserving of Bess' love and affection?