PHSE
How does each character in the story behave and how does this influence how others treat them?
Listen to the song "I am a rock" by Simon and Garfunkel.
I Am a Rock
A winter's day
In a deep and dark December
I am alone
Gazing from my window to the streets below
On a freshly fallen silent shroud of snow
I am a rock
I am an island
I've built walls
A fortress deep and mighty
That none may penetrate
I have no need of friendship; friendship causes pain
It's laughter and it's loving I disdain
I am a rock
I am an island
Don't talk of love
Well I've heard the word before
It's sleeping in my memory
I won't disturb the slumber of feelings that have died
If I never loved I never would have cried
I am a rock
I am an island
I have my books
And my poetry to protect me
I am shielded in my armor
Hiding in my room, safe within my womb
I touch no one and no one touches me
I am a rock
I am an island
And a rock feels no pain
And an island never cries
Source: Musixmatch
Songwriters: Paul Simon
I Am a Rock lyrics © Paul Simon Music, Lorna Music Co Ltd
Do any of the characters come to mind why you listen or read to the lyrics?
In chapter 1 Bradley is described as an island. What does this say about him?
This song is about someone locking himself away from the world. When he says, "I am a rock, I am an island," he means away from everything and everyone.
Our Greatest Fear.
Read the poem below and think about the following questions.
Was Bradley afraid of the darkness?
Do you think Bradley was afraid to be his true self?
How did Bradley's attitude change?
Who helped Bradley transform and not be afraid of being great?
Bradley found it easier to be 'naughty'. It is harder to let your own,' light shine' but doing it improves everyone around us. When do you think Bradley, was happiest?
Our Greatest Fear —Marianne Williamson
it is our light not our darkness that most frightens us
Our deepest fear is not that we are inadequate.
Our deepest fear is that we are powerful beyond measure.
It is our light not our darkness that most frightens us.
We ask ourselves, who am I to be brilliant, gorgeous,
talented and fabulous?
Actually, who are you not to be?
You are a child of God.
Your playing small does not serve the world.
There's nothing enlightened about shrinking so that other
people won't feel insecure around you.
We were born to make manifest the glory of
God that is within us.
It's not just in some of us; it's in everyone.
And as we let our own light shine,
we unconsciously give other people
permission to do the same.
As we are liberated from our own fear,
Our presence automatically liberates others.
Marianne Williamson