Lessons of Life in Bloodletting and Miraculous Cures by Vincent Lam

Lessons for Life in Bloodletting & Miraculous Cures
In a world of constant evolution, a new generation of students deserves a contemporary education that will prepare them both academically and emotionally for the rest of their life. Vincent Lam’s novel, Bloodletting & Miraculous Cures, exhibits many traits that are beneficial to a 4U English class. Firstly, one of the main characters has a tragic flaw that negatively changes his way of life, similar to Hamlet and Amir studied earlier in the course. The author also explores the duality of human nature through different characters, tying the novel to one of the central themes in the course. This collection of short stories also illustrates many events and emotions that can be applicable to a 4U student and their journey into post-secondary life. In conclusion, Bloodletting & Miraculous Cures is an ideal new addition to the 4U English curriculum.
Fitzgerald, a primary character throughout several short stories, lives with a tragic flaw that has unfavourable effects on his life, similar to other characters in the 4U English curriculum. Fitzgerald develops an unhealthy obsession with his love for Ming. He begins calling her “three times a night… He fell behind in lecture tapes, until she reminded him that he had to study if he wanted to get into medical school” (62). This overwhelming infatuation becomes a main factor in their breakup, as he is a distraction from her studies, which she values above all else. Furthermore, the severing of his ties to Ming causes laziness in his own studying and puts his chances of getting into medical school in jeopardy. This rejection is the beginning of the downward spiral of Fitzgerald’s young adulthood. From their breakup stems his depression and co...

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Bloodletting & Miraculous Cures is an ideal addition to the 4U English course. It relates course texts in an effort to give students the opportunity to gain a deeper understanding of all media covered in the curriculum. Furthermore, the author explores the duality of human nature through many of his characters and their actions throughout the novel, giving students the opportunity to gain a deeper understanding of one of the core course themes. There are also many situations and emotions present in the novel that grade twelve students may experience as they leave their secondary school. In conclusion, not only would this text provide teachers with plenty of opportunities for academic assessment, but it also gives students an insight into reacting and coping with whatever their future may bring, which is essential for teenagers who will grow to lead the world.