MIDTERM REPORT

NAME: AMASAN, KYLA B.

COURSE/YEAR/SECTION: BSE-ENGLISH 3A

TOPIC: The Silent History

“The Silent History" by Eli Horowitz, Matthew Derby, and Kevin Moffett is a notable
example of digi-fiction, a genre that integrates digital technology with traditional
storytelling to create immersive and interactive narratives. In this novel, the authors
employ a multimedia approach, incorporating text, audio, and visual elements to deliver
a unique reading experience.
"The Silent History" is a captivating and thought-provoking novel that introduces readers
to a world where a mysterious condition called silencing affects a small but significant
number of children. This condition renders them unable to communicate verbally,
leading to profound challenges and societal repercussions. Readers are introduced to
parents struggling to understand and care for their silenced children, doctors and
researchers searching for answers, and the silenced children themselves navigating a
world that often fails to accommodate their unique needs.
Readers are introduced to a diverse array of individuals connected to the silenced
children, each grappling with their own challenges and emotions. Parents struggle with
feelings of grief, guilt, and uncertainty as they try to navigate the unique needs of their
silenced children. Doctors and researchers work tirelessly to uncover the mysteries of
silencing, pushing the boundaries of science and ethics in their quest for understanding.
At this pivotal juncture, the characters are faced with critical decisions that will shape
the course of their lives and relationships, leading to a climax that is both emotionally
charged and intellectually stimulating. As tensions mount and conflicts escalate, the
silenced children emerge as key players in a series of events that challenge the
established norms and beliefs of society. Their unique abilities and insights come to the
forefront, forcing other characters to confront their prejudices and biases while also
reevaluating their understanding of communication and connection.
They may grapple with the emotional fallout of their decisions, seeking reconciliation,
closure, or redemption in the wake of profound upheaval. The silenced children, in
particular, may continue to play a central role as their unique perspectives and abilities
challenge those around them to reassess their assumptions about communication and
connection. It serves as a crucial component of the novel, allowing readers to explore
the aftermath of the climax and witness the characters' growth and development as they
confront the challenges and dilemmas that shape their world. It is a period of reflection
and resolution that offers insight into the complexities of human connection and
communication, as well as the transformative power of empathy and understanding in a
world where words may fail, but silence speaks volumes.
The novel may see the characters coming to terms with the consequences of their
actions and decisions, finding acceptance and understanding in the wake of the
challenges they have faced. Relationships that have been tested throughout the story
may reach a point of reconciliation or transformation, as the characters navigate the
complexities of their connections with one another. Through moments of introspection
and reflection, they may come to a deeper understanding of themselves and their place
in the world, emerging stronger and more resilient as a result of their experiences. It
offers readers a chance to reflect on the complexities of human relationships and the
transformative power of silence, inviting them to consider the ways in which we
communicate, connect, and understand one another in a world that is constantly in flux.

CHARACTERS:

1. Owen Briggs
- one of the central characters in the story.
- He is a journalist who becomes deeply invested in understanding and documenting the
lives of the silent children.
- Owen's personal journey and his dedication to unraveling the mystery behind the silent
phenomenon drive the narrative forward.
2. Sarah Parsons
- A mother whose son, Joshua, is born as a silent child.
- She grapples with the challenges of raising a silent child and seeks answers about his
condition.
- Sarah's perspective provides insight into the emotional struggles and complexities
faced by parents of silent children.
3. Michael Weller
- A doctor who specializes in studying and treating silent children.
- He is driven by a scientific curiosity to understand the root cause of their condition.
- Michael's character offers a scientific and medical perspective on the silent
phenomenon.
4. Rachel Moriarty
- A teacher who works with silent children and strives to create a supportive and
inclusive learning environment for them.
- Her dedication and compassion towards her students highlight the importance of
empathy and understanding in the face of adversity.
5. Jonathan Stoud
- A silent child who becomes a focal point of the narrative.
- His experiences and interactions with others shed light on the unique challenges faced
by silent children and the impact their condition has on their lives.

SETTINGS:
• "The Silent History" by Eli Horowitz, Matthew Derby, and Kevin Moffett is set in various
locations within the United States, including cities, rural areas, and communities where
the silenced children and their families reside.
• The novel does not specify an exact time frame, but it is set in a world that closely
resembles our own, with advanced technology and societal norms that reflect a time
slightly ahead of present-day.
• The events in the story unfold over a period of time as the silenced children and their
families navigate the challenges and complexities of living in a society where
communication and connection are fundamentally altered by their condition.

THEMES:
1. Communication and Silence
- The central theme of the novel revolves around communication and the absence of it.
- The silent children in the story cannot speak or communicate in a conventional
manner, highlighting the importance and complexity of human connection and
understanding.
2. Identity and Otherness
- The presence of silent children in society challenges traditional notions of identity and
normalcy.
- The novel delves into the experiences of the silent children and the way they are
perceived by others, highlighting themes of otherness and the struggle to find
acceptance and belonging.
3. Parenthood and Responsibility
- "The Silent History" examines the profound impact of parenthood, particularly when a
child's condition deviates from societal norms.
- The novel explores the challenges faced by parents of silent children, their love,
dedication, and the difficult choices they must make to ensure their children's well-
being.
4. Power and Control
- The silent phenomenon becomes a subject of scientific and governmental interest,
leading to questions of power and control.
- The novel explores how institutions and individuals seek to harness or exploit the
silent children's condition, raising ethical dilemmas and issues of autonomy and agency.
5. Memory and History
- The narrative structure of the novel incorporates multiple perspectives and timelines,
highlighting the role of memory and history in shaping our understanding of the present.
- The motif of memory underscores the importance of personal and collective narratives
in constructing meaning and identity.
6. Community and Collaboration
- As the story unfolds, characters come together to form communities and support
networks dedicated to understanding and advocating for the silent children.
- The novel explores the power of collaboration, empathy, and collective action in the
face of adversity.

CONFLICT:
Conflict plays a central role in "The Silent History," as the silenced children face
prejudice, discrimination, and misunderstanding from a society that struggles to
comprehend their unique abilities and perspectives. The clashes between the silenced
children and those around them bring to light tensions around differences, acceptance,
and the limitations of language in conveying the depth of human experience.

MESSAGE OF THE STORY:

The message of the story revolves around the power of empathy, understanding, and
connection in overcoming barriers to communication and forging meaningful
relationships. Through the experiences of the silenced children and those who interact
with them, the novel explores the ways in which silence can be as potent a form of
expression as words, challenging readers to reconsider their assumptions about the
nature of communication and connection.

CONNECTION TO CONTEMPORARY ISSUES:

1. Technology and Surveillance: "The Silent History" explores the impact of
technology on society and the potential dangers of surveillance. Connect the novel to
contemporary discussions on the ethical use of technology, privacy concerns, and the
influence of social media platforms. For example, novels like Dave Eggers' "The Circle"
tackle similar themes, highlighting the potential consequences of a hyperconnected
world.
2. Medical Ethics and Genetic Manipulation: The novel raises ethical questions
surrounding genetic manipulation and the role of medical institutions. Connect "The
Silent History" to contemporary debates on genetic engineering, CRISPR technology,
and the ethical implications of altering human DNA. Novels like "Frankenstein" by Mary
Shelley or "Brave New World" by Aldous Huxley also explore similar themes.
3. Language and Communication: "The Silent History" focuses on the challenges
faced by individuals who are unable to communicate through traditional means.
Connect the novel to contemporary discussions on language barriers, inclusivity, and
the importance of communication in society. Novels like "The Book of Unknown
Americans" by Cristina Henríquez explore the immigrant experience and the power of
language.
4. Social Exclusion and Discrimination: The silent children in the novel face
exclusion and discrimination due to their unique condition. Connect "The Silent History"
to contemporary issues of marginalization, discrimination, and the struggle for
acceptance. Novels like "The Hate U Give" by Angie Thomas address similar themes,
exploring the impact of systemic racism and the fight for justice.
5. Government Control and Individual Freedom: The novel examines the balance
between government control and individual freedom. Connect "The Silent History" to
contemporary discussions on authoritarianism, surveillance states, and the erosion of
civil liberties. Novels like George Orwell's "1984" or Margaret Atwood's "The Handmaid's
Tale" also explore the tension between state control and individual agency.