Notes
Genre 1: A Eulogy for mr. Hampton
The Eulogy for Mr. Hampton is included at the beginning to display Arthur's love and reflection from the relationship. Arthur has to deal with the deal of his father, yet Mr. Hampton helps him navigate the loss. Although one can never fully be prepared for a death, Arthur's loyalty and dedication to Mr. Hampton sparked the goal to have Mr. Hampton's legacy live on. Arthur is left to share the "Throne of the Third Heaven" with the world, to inspire people. He had a desire for people to learn from the beauty that can come in all shapes and sizes. I included his reflection on what it would be like if Mr. Hampton was still alive in order to show that Arthur thinks about him daily. Mr. Hampton impacted Arthur's life in a very intentional way but also lived on through the art displayed to a plethora of people. A Eulogy is a vulnerable speech, and I feel that Arthur would have been honored to share his memories and acquired advice in remembrance of his dear friend.
Genre 2: Arthur's Journal Entry
The journal entry displays Arthur's inner thoughts and concerns at the beginning of the novel. There is a juxtaposition between Arthur's feelings towards the events at the beginning to his transformation at the end. I wanted to show the contrast between the feelings of loneliness to feeling known through his relationship with Mr. Hampton. Chapter 4 explains Arthur's emotions and sharing the feeling when "he knew his mind wasn't thinking straight, but he couldn't control it. It was like a runaway train, racing faster and faster toward a wall," which ended in throwing the brick (Pearsall, 2015, 16). His journal entry is authentic and vulnerable as he questions himself and is realizing the consequences of his actions.
I wanted to display the drawbacks of isolation, that results in bottled feelings. Arthur wanted to be strong, but the death of his father was something he needed to share with someone. He needed to gain comfort, guidance, and genuine empathy. This outburst, although something Arthur regretted, is the event which lead him to Mr. Hampton. This journal entry awaits the day of the trial, in which Arthur will hear the words: "Mr. Hampton has made it clear... he is not interested in retribution, but in redemption" (Pearsall, 2015, 20).
Genre 3: Two Voice poem
I have chosen to include a two voice poem narrated by Arthur and Mr. Hampton. This serves as the moment where Arthur and James Hampton begin to realize the positive effects by working close together and learning from one another. The end of the poem displays a concrete realization, from both characters, that their friendship has opened a new outlook on life. In this poem both Arthur and Mr. Hampton explain their first impressions and how collecting the seven items has created a meaningful relationship. This two voice poem illustrates the dynamic of two unique characters bridging their differences. Mentorship is displayed by Mr. Hampton's generosity towards "the boy who threw the brick," and determination to give Arthur another chance. Communication is a key to mentorship and this genre allows both speakers to individually explain thoughts while recognizing the important similarities they both experience.
I found this genre correlating with the article, "Unraveling a Meaningful Mentor Relationship" by Mary Stokrocki (2009). Within this article Stokrocki analyzes the postcards sent from an Art Professor and a former student. She writes that "mentors are the keepers of important traditions and life-shaping stories: They pass on the knowledge that would be difficult for a beginner to learn on his own, and teach all that is needed to know to achieve success" (Stokrocki, 2009, 137). Throughout this article, the art within each chosen postcard depicts the writer's feelings as they share stories and experiences as the years progress. Stokrocki advocates for mentorship and the well-being from both parties as they support one another as seasons of life progress.
The two voice poem is Arthur and Mr. Hampton's realization that life together is better. Art is a way in which they bond and have meaningful conversations as they combine their strengths to create a profound masterpiece.
Genre 4: Better together playlist
The playlist is based on a scene in the novel where Arthur finds out about Mr. Hampton's terminal illness (Pearsall, 2015, 166). Arthur wants to stop working for Hampton because he doesn't want to undergo another hard goodbye. Instead of the "flight" reflex, Arthur goes to Hampton's house to help him with "The Throne of the Third Heaven." In this scene, the two work together placing the shiny materials (originally found in dumpsters) to create a masterpiece. Hampton asks questions about Arthur's father, challenges him to deal with his past, and turn hardships into something beautiful (Pearsall, 2015, 170).
This playlist has been created to fit this scene. Whereas some songs are included for the meaning in the lyrics, other songs are personal to moments I associate with mentorship.
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Long Live by Taylor Swift
Arthur and Mr. Hampton create a shimmering replica what they perceive heaven to look like and these lyrics exemplify the meaning of breaking down hard situations in order to press on and enjoy whatever life throws. I have included this song because it is about making the most of every moment.
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You've Got A Friend In Me by Michael Bublé
This song is infamous for dynamic duos and I can also imagine Arthur and Mr. Hampton nodding their heads with sweet smiles as they work together on the masterpiece. This song demonstrates a strong essence of friendship and mentorship through the meaningful lyrics.
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Strangers Like Me by Phil Collins
The lines I correlated with the theme of mentorship are included below. This song shows the desire to learn and watch people as new ideas are arising. This song would be from Arthur's perspective as he learns wisdom from Mr. Hampton and sees him as the father-figure he was deprived of as he grew.
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Bohemian Rhapsody by Queen
This song is included as an 80s jam that Arthur and Mr. Hampton could sing word for word as they built the art-piece together. This is a personal song I have included from a memory with someone I look up to greatly. Based on my experiences, I have made a parallel and included this song as a reflection of my cherished relationship with my mentor, Amber.
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Vienna by Billy Joel
I wanted to include this song as a ballad from Mr. Hampton to Arthur. This song explains the importance of stepping back and enjoying what life has to offer. Live in the present instead of always wishing things were different. Instead of being caught up in the rush and mundane, it is crucial that we do things that bring joy. Instead of hesitation and fear, this song shares the benefits to soaking in beautiful moments. This song is one that I see a mentor sharing with their mentee. Offering the advice that life doesn't get easier, but the experience is what you make it.
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I'll Be There For You by The Rembrandts
This is the classic song from the show Friends. I included it again to show qualities of a friendship that is through thick and thin. Mentorship is about doing life together and learning along the way.
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Call on Me by Starley & Ryan Riback
My final song is another example of friendship/mentorship qualities. Mr. Hampton shares his advice, life experiences and time with Arthur. Similarly, Arthur continues to stick by Mr. Hampton's side until the end. This is a relationship that is dedicated to one another in order to encourage and uplift throughout life.
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Genre 5: A letter to Arthur
The final genre is a letter to Arthur sharing how much he has progressed, that there is hope, and that he is not defined from previous events. This letter would have been written when Mr. Hampton found out his diagnosis. In the letter, Mr. Hampton encourages Arthur to press on. It also shares Mr. Hampton gratitude for Arthur's presence in his life. Through researching, Kathy Kram describes mentorship and the benefits for the mentor. She writes in her article, "Phases of the Mentor Relationship," that "entering a developmental relationship with a young adult provides an opportunity at midlife to redirect one's energies into creative and productive action" (Kram, 1983, 608). Mr. Hampton sparks new energy and passion through Arthur's friendship. He is committed to teaching the young teen more about life.
In this letter, Mr. Hampton's tone is reflective and nostalgic in remembrance all the memories he and Arthur collected together. His final words are "fear not" which is written on the top of their throne. This quote is written on a piece of aluminum foil at the end of the novel. Arthur says goodbye to the warehouse in which they both worked together and finds the last piece of scrap paper. I wanted to include this as the final goodbye because it depicts hope. It is affirmation from Mr. Hampton, encouraging Arthur to stay strong and make a positive impact on the world. After all, Mr. Hampton is the one who quotes:
"Where there is no vision, the people perish" Proverbs 29:18