Aufgabenblock I
Aufgabenstellung
1
Outline the information about both Inga’s and Robin’s efforts to help save the planet.
30%
2
Analyze how Robin is portrayed by the author. Focus on narrative perspective and use of language.
30%
3
Choose one of the following tasks:
3.1
“[O]nly seven hundred of my dollars goes to the animals? Species are dying, Dad. Thousands!” (l. 58)
Using the quotation and Robin’s experiences as a starting point, assess the impact of individual action on coping with environmental problems. or
3.2
“We do not live in a fair globalization. […] This is also related to climate change.” (António Guterres, UN secretary-general)
As a participant in an international youth forum on climate change, write an article for the website in which you comment on Guterres’ view.
40%
Richard Powers: Bewilderment
Theo Byrne, a scientist, is the single parent of nine-year-old Robin, who worries about the future of the planet, adores animals, and can spend hours painting elaborate pictures.
1
One night, the news channel I distrusted the least cut from the fading constitutional crisis to an
2
interview with the world’s most famous fourteen-year-old. The activist Inga Alder had launched
3
a new campaign, biking from her home near Zurich to Brussels. Along the way, she was
4
recruiting an army of teenage cyclists to join her and shame the Council of the European Union
5
into meeting the emissions reductions they had long ago promised.
6
The journalist asked her how many bicyclists had joined her caravan. Miss Alder frowned,
7
looking for a precision she couldn’t give. “The number changes each day. But today we are
8
over ten thousand.”
9
The journalist asked, “Aren’t they enrolled in school? Don’t they have classes?”
10
The oval-faced girl in tight pigtails blew a raspberry. She didn’t look fourteen. She barely
11
looked eleven. But she spoke English better than most of Robin’s classmates. “My house is
12
burning down. Do you want me to wait until the school bell rings before I rush home to put it
13
out?”
14
The journalist plunged on. “Speaking of school, how do you answer the American President
15
when he says you should study economics before telling world leaders what to do?”
16
“Does economics teach you to shit your nest and throw away all the eggs?”
17
My pale, odd son drifted from the dining room and stood at my side. Who is that? He sounded
18
hypnotized.
19
The interviewer asked, “Do you think there’s any chance this protest might succeed?”
20
She’s like me, Dad.
21
My scalp burned. I recalled why Inga Alder sounded ever so slightly otherworldly. She’d once
22
called her autism her special asset […].
23
She cocked an eye at the bemused journalist. “I know our chance of failure if we do nothing.”
24
That’s what I’m saying! Exactly! […]
25
[In April, at the first farmers’ market of the year, there] was one fully fee-paid booth where
26
customers could take their pick of [Robin’s] one hundred and thirty-six wild pen-and-ink
27
watercolors of creatures about to be relegated to memory.
28
Over the course of five hours, Robin became someone else. […]
29
He reinvented every borderline-shyster trick in the traveling salesman’s book. What do you
30
think would be a good price? I spent hours making that one! The golden-crowned sifaka
31
matches your eyes. Nobody wants the thicklip pupfish; I don’t know why. He accosted gray-
32
haired ladies from twenty yards away. Help keep a beautiful creature alive, ma’am? Best few
33
dollars you’ll ever spend.
34
People bought because he made them laugh. Several got a kick out of the salesman routine
35
or wanted to reward a budding entrepreneur. Some took pity on him; others just wanted to
36
assuage their guilt. Maybe someone among the hundred purchasers even liked the art well
37
enough to hang it on her walls. But most people who stopped and bought were simply
38
patronizing a child who’d spent months making things of little value on lots of misplaced hope.
39
In six hours, he made nine hundred and eighty-eight dollars. The guy who took our booth fee
40
bought the black-chested spiny-tailed iguana — not Robin’s most successful effort — for twelve
41
bucks to make the grand total an even thousand. Robin was beside himself. Months of single-
42
minded work had led to triumph. Any sum with that many zeroes in it was indistinguishable
43
from a fortune. Who knew what such an amount might do?
44
Dad, Dad, Dad: Can we mail it tonight?
45
He’d worked for way too long for me to argue with this rush to the finish line. We took the
46
money to the bank. I wrote a check to send off to the conservation organization he’d chosen
47
after hours of agonizing. That night, after plant-based burgers and a couple of Inga videos, we
48
lay reading on opposite ends of the sofa, our feet launching little border wars into the space
49
between us. He closed his book and studied the beaded ceiling.
50
I feel great, Dad. Like I could die now and be pretty happy with how things went.
51
“Don’t.”
52
Uh, oh-kee, he said in his clown voice.
53
Two weeks later, he got a letter from his not-for-profit saviors of choice. I put it on the front
54
table for him to find when he came home from school. He opened it in high excitement, tearing
55
the envelope. The letter thanked him for his contribution. It bragged about the fact that almost
56
seventy cents on every dollar went directly or indirectly toward slowing the rate of habitat
57
destruction in ten different countries. […]
58
[O]nly seven hundred of my dollars goes to the animals? Species are dying, Dad. Thousands!
59
He shouted at me, hands flailing. I suggested dinner, but he refused. He went to his room,
60
slammed his door, and wouldn’t come out, even to play his favorite board game.
787 words Powers, R. (2021). Bewilderment. London: Penguin Random House. pp. 120-124.
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Please note: The solutions presented here are just one possible way to approach the task. There are often multiple valid methods and perspectives, and alternative approaches may be equally effective.
Consumer choices also matter: if more people buy sustainable products, companies are forced to adapt and change their production methods. Many individuals acting together can become a powerful force for change.
In addition, organizing protests or demonstrations, starting petitions, or speaking out in public has an influence on political discourse and decisions. Such actions raise awareness even among people who are not yet interested in environmental topics. Volunteering in environmental projects is another way to support the cause and contribute actively to protection efforts.
Moreover, role models and green influencers like Inga Alder can inspire others to reflect on their own behavior and take action. On the other hand, the influence of individuals has limits. Heavy industries are responsible for most of the world’s energy consumption, pollution, and resource exploitation. Compared to this, individual efforts have only a small effect.
Furthermore, consumer decisions mostly affect the local level and are often not widespread or far-reaching enough.
Additionally, large political institutions and international organizations have much more influence due to their financial resources and professional expertise.
Many environmental problems are global and complex. Because of this, individual engagement alone cannot solve them. It requires collective action, cooperation between governments, businesses, and civil society.
Lastly, most individuals lack the expert knowledge and reliable information needed to make major decisions in these highly technical and scientific areas. In conclusion, Robin’s experience shows how motivated and committed individuals can be, but also how frustrating it can be when their efforts seem ineffective. Individual action is important and can inspire others, reduce environmental harm, and influence public opinion. However, it must be combined with larger, collective efforts and political solutions to achieve real, long-term change in the fight against climate change and environmental destruction.
1
Inga Alder is a young climate activist who informs the public about environmental issues by demonstrating and raising her voice. She launches a campaign in which she cycles from her home in Switzerland to Brussels to make the European Union leaders stick to their promises of reducing emissions. On her journey, she gives interviews and successfully mobilizes thousands of teenagers to join her protest. Through her strong media presence, Inga raises awareness about the climate crisis and does not let critics discourage her. She uses her autism as a strength and shows great determination in the fight against climate change.
Robin, a nine-year-old boy, learns about environmental problems from the media and starts to follow Inga’s example. He begins a fundraising project by creating over one hundred detailed pen-and-ink paintings of endangered animals. At a local farmers’ market, he manages to sell all his pictures in one day. People buy his artworks for different reasons, some admire his passion, others want to support a child trying to make a difference. With the money he earns, he donates the full amount to a non-profit conservation organization that works to protect endangered species. In their own ways, both Inga and Robin show deep concern for the planet and take meaningful action to fight climate change and biodiversity loss.
2
In Bewilderment, Richard Powers presents Robin as an unusual, exceptional boy with a strong emotional connection to the environment. The story is told from the first-person perspective of Robin’s father, which allows the reader to see Robin through a loving but sometimes realistic lens. This becomes clear in descriptions like “My pale, odd son” (l. 17) and “People bought because he made them laugh” (l. 34). The father admires Robin but also observes how people react to him, sometimes with pity (l. 35) or simply because he is a child. Through this contrast, Robin is shown both as unique and as vulnerable.
Robin is portrayed as deeply fascinated by the young environmentalist Inga Alder. His reaction to seeing her on the news is exaggerated — he appears “hypnotized” (l. 18) — which shows how strongly he identifies with her. The use of direct speech and exclamations such as “She’s like me, Dad.” (l. 20) and “That’s what I’m saying! Exactly!” (l. 24) emphasizes Robin’s enthusiasm and the connection he feels to Inga’s mission. The author also presents Robin as highly committed to saving the environment. This is shown through a detailed description of his fundraising project: he paints “one hundred and thirty-six wild … watercolors of creatures” (ll. 26–27). The narration describes how he spent “months making things … on lots of misplaced hope” (l. 38), indicating his dedication. His transformation during the market day is underlined in the line “Over … five hours, Robin became someone else.” (l. 28), showing how focused and energetic he becomes when working for a cause he believes in. Words with a positive connotation, such as “Months … triumph. Any sum … a fortune.” (ll. 41–43), highlight his sense of success and determination. His enthusiasm is also shown through repetition and direct speech: “Dad, Dad, Dad: Can we mail it tonight?” (l. 44). The metaphor “rush to the finish line” (l. 45) shows how driven and persistent he is in reaching his goal. Furthermore, Robin is described as inventive. The narrator uses hyperbole and metaphorical language, for example, “reinvented every borderline-shyster trick in the traveling salesman’s book” (l. 29), to show how cleverly Robin adapts to the situation. Direct speech like “What … would be a good price? … Best few dollars you’ll ever spend.” (ll. 29–33) give him a voice and make his sales strategy come alive for the reader. Finally, the author presents Robin as deeply disillusioned when he realizes how little of his donation directly helps the animals. His disappointment is expressed through an emotional question and exclamation: “[O]nly seven hundred … goes to the animals? Species are dying, Dad. Thousands!” (l. 58). The enumeration of verbs with a negative connotation — “He shouted … hands flailing … he refused. … slammed his door … wouldn’t come out” (ll. 59–60) — illustrates his frustration and emotional pain. In conclusion, through the first-person narration and expressive language, Richard Powers presents Robin as a passionate, creative, and emotionally sensitive boy. His father’s perspective allows the reader to see both Robin’s exceptional qualities and the challenges he faces in a world that doesn’t always respond to idealism with action.
3.1
“[O]nly seven hundred of my dollars goes to the animals? Species are dying, Dad. Thousands!” (l. 58). This quote shows Robin’s deep disappointment and frustration when he finds out that not all of the money he donated is directly used to save endangered species. After working on his project for months, he is angry about the deductions and cannot understand how, in such an urgent situation, more help does not reach the animals. His experience reflects both the importance and the limits of individual action in the fight against environmental problems.
On the one hand, individual actions can have a positive impact. Environmentally-conscious behavior, such as reducing energy use, producing less waste, and avoiding pollution, helps to preserve natural resources and protect ecosystems.Consumer choices also matter: if more people buy sustainable products, companies are forced to adapt and change their production methods. Many individuals acting together can become a powerful force for change.
In addition, organizing protests or demonstrations, starting petitions, or speaking out in public has an influence on political discourse and decisions. Such actions raise awareness even among people who are not yet interested in environmental topics. Volunteering in environmental projects is another way to support the cause and contribute actively to protection efforts.
Moreover, role models and green influencers like Inga Alder can inspire others to reflect on their own behavior and take action. On the other hand, the influence of individuals has limits. Heavy industries are responsible for most of the world’s energy consumption, pollution, and resource exploitation. Compared to this, individual efforts have only a small effect.
Furthermore, consumer decisions mostly affect the local level and are often not widespread or far-reaching enough.
Additionally, large political institutions and international organizations have much more influence due to their financial resources and professional expertise.
Many environmental problems are global and complex. Because of this, individual engagement alone cannot solve them. It requires collective action, cooperation between governments, businesses, and civil society.
Lastly, most individuals lack the expert knowledge and reliable information needed to make major decisions in these highly technical and scientific areas. In conclusion, Robin’s experience shows how motivated and committed individuals can be, but also how frustrating it can be when their efforts seem ineffective. Individual action is important and can inspire others, reduce environmental harm, and influence public opinion. However, it must be combined with larger, collective efforts and political solutions to achieve real, long-term change in the fight against climate change and environmental destruction.
3.2
Climate Change and Global Inequality – Why Guterres Is Right
By Liv Butler “We do not live in a fair globalization. […] This is also related to climate change.” With this statement, UN Secretary-General António Guterres points to a reality that many people in the world, especially in the Global South, experience every day. Climate change is not only an environmental crisis — it is also a question of justice. When looking at the effects of global warming, it becomes clear that some regions suffer more than others. Countries in the Global South, which have historically contributed far less to global greenhouse gas emissions, are now facing some of the worst consequences: droughts, floods, and food insecurity. At the same time, many of these nations do not have the financial or technological resources to adapt or protect themselves. This clearly shows that globalization is not equitable. Another serious issue is the way industries often move their production to countries with weaker environmental laws. This allows them to avoid strict regulations in richer countries while still making profits — but it results in more pollution and rising carbon emissions in poorer regions. In addition, natural resources such as forests and minerals are heavily exploited in the Global South to supply products for the global market. This leads to deforestation, the loss of biodiversity, and long-term damage to ecosystems. The social consequences are just as alarming. Climate change is already forcing people to leave their homes and migrate. This often creates new economic and social problems in countries that are already struggling. Meanwhile, some companies try to improve their image through greenwashing — pretending to be environmentally friendly while continuing harmful practices. There is also the problem of unequal access to green technologies. While some countries can invest in renewable energy or electric transport, others cannot afford such developments, even though they might need them more urgently. Nonetheless, there are also signs of progress. Climate change does not stop at borders, and some countries in the Global North are supporting the South through technology transfer, education, and funding programs like the Green Climate Fund. International agreements and cooperation show that global solutions are possible — if they are based on fairness and shared responsibility. In conclusion, António Guterres is right to highlight the link between unfair globalization and climate change. It is not enough to talk about protecting the planet, we must also make sure that the fight against climate change is fair to all people, no matter where they live. As young people around the world, we must stand together and demand justice, solidarity, and real action — for our climate and for our future.