Monday, September 5, 2011

Mountains Beyond Mountains


Paul Farmer's unique childhood definitely played a crucial role in his adult life.  For example, as he explains, "growing up without running water on a bus" (54) he was not exposed or accustomed to the luxuries that many people take for granted.  Reading about his various childhood experiences throughout the novel, it is clear that Farmer has been affected in such a way that his background is truly engraved into his being as a whole.  On page 55, Farmer's mother recalls: "he didn't get straight A's his first semester at college.  Everything was new.  He was soaking up high culture.”  I think this particular section is telling of Farmer’s personality as it shows how he is able to submerge himself in whatever he is presented with and does it with his whole heart.  Growing up in such a lifestyle where opportunities were not always handed to him I think played a part in how he chooses to react in different circumstances.  Without his experiences growing up, Farmer probably would not have had the same determination and compassion for others has he does today.

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