fma

To read FMA online click the following link: [|FMA]

Other AWESOME FMA related links: FMA: we don't do anything FMA: WAFFLES! Alchemist of the Caribbea FMA RANDOMNESS! Ed Teaches Roy the Happy Song

__**Discussion 1: Characters**__

Volume 1 2/18/11

A: Jesy B: Jeff C-1: Eric C-2: Jen D: Dan

__Characters:__ - Edward Elric: The main character and 15 years old. Became a state alchemist at the age of 12 and was given the alias Full Metal Alchemist. He is the oldest of the two brothers. While trying to bring his mother back he lost one of his legs and to get his brother's soul back, he lost his arm. He also hates being called short, runt, small, etc. He is often mistaken as the younger brother.

- Alphonse Elric: The other main character and 14 years old. Unlike his brother, he is NOT a state alchemist. While trying to bring back his mother he lost his body and soul. His brother sacrifice his arm to bring back his soul and placed it in a suit of armor.



__Summary:__

During our disscussions, we often went off topic because Mr. Morone kept asking/talking to us about random stuff. Here is a list below:

1. Yoda Waffles 2. Animal jokes 3. "if someone came up to you and said 'you're a match, can I have your kidney' would you give it to them?" 4. Seven Deadly Sins 5. Snarky 6. Beat-Box Computer 7. Icarus 8. To Jen: "why are you always trying to one up to Jesy? She brought waffles, be happy."

Discussion Summary

We started off the discussion with a delicious batch of Jesy's waffles, which proved to be a fantastic way to start off a manga discussion.

This week, we discussed the characters and the events that occurred during the first book. We also talked about the characters background stories, which we all thought were pretty interesting. Additionally, we talked about the recurring theme of "science vs. religion", which seems to be the basis for at least the section of the story that we read.

We discussed the various quotes which, for the most part, expand upon the aforementioned theme of science vs. religion. We then moved on to answering the many open-ended questions that Eric and Jenny had prepared for us. We all look forward to continue reading the series. Some of us, being exposed to Full Metal Alchemist for the first time, are already hooked.

__Quotes:__

"These would be the calculated components that make up the body of a single adult. We already know that much with modern science, but the reality is that no successful human transmutation has ever been reported. There's not enough of something. For hundreds of years, scientists have been researching and researching, but they still haven't been able to grasp it. So, you could say it's a wasted effort, but I think it's a lot more useful than just praying and waiting."- Edward Elric

This quote represents the entire reason for the Elric brothers' motivation. They attempted to transmute their mother, but they did not have enough to complete the exact exchange.

"Alchemists are scientists, so we can't believe in vague things like the "Creator" and "God." We explain the fundamentals of the creation of everything in the world and pursue the truth. It's ironic that as scientists that don't believe in God, we're the ones who are closest to God."- Edward Elric

As alchemists, they are also scientists because they want to obtain knowledge about how the world works and what things are made of. Alchemists are all about creation, just like God. Thus, they are similar with God in that respect, though they are atheists.

"In short, the basis of alchemy is "exa ct trade." If you want to make something, you need something of equivalent cost."- Edward Elric

In this quote, Ed describes the basis of alchemy, where you have to give something to get something of the same amound.

"This is someone with the sin of trespassing into God's forbidden domain. Just like me, and my brother too."- Alphonse Elric

In this quote, Alphonse is describing his situation in terms of God. They attempted to revive their mother, which defies God. God wants life and death, and they attempted to defy that.

"The transmutation was a failure. Brother lost his left leg in the transmutation. I lost my entire body. Then, I lost consciousness. When I opened my eyes again, I saw this armored body and, amidst a sea of blood. While brother was suffering from the loss of his left leg, he traded his right arm to transmutate my soul into this armor."- Alphonse Elric

In this quote, Alphonse describes their attempt at transmuting their mother back from the dead. It was a mistake. Ed lost his arm and leg, while Alphonse lost his entire body.

__Questions:__

Which is the more intelligent method of approach in regards to an omnipotent figure, religion or science? - in the group we agreed that they were both equal.

If alchemy was an existing science in our world, would be similar happenings be going on? Differences? Would alchemy be primarily used for the military? - The group believed that if that "type" of alchemy in the manga was also in our world, it would be controlled by the military but also by evil people. Since it plays a major role in the manga, it would most likely play a major role in our society and that the government would try to control it.

If the philosophers stone has the ability to ignore the rule of eqivilant exchange, why cant Ed and Al use it to bring back their mom? - Ed and Al decided to use the philosopher stone to get their original bodies back since the first time they tried to bring their mother back backfired, they learned first hand what alchemy or science could and could not do. They realized that no human can ever come back to life.

What could that extra something be that makes human transmutation not work?: - The soul or spirit of a human. They had all the ingredients for a human body, but the thing they were missing was a soul. Since alchemy is all about the equivalent exchange, they did have an equivalent exchange for a human soul and in the process Al lost his body and soul and Ed lost his leg.

It is said that the Philosopher’s Stone can transmute and ignore the rules of equivalent exchange. Why is this?: - Since we are staying with the first volume of fma, the facts behind the Philosopher's Stone have not been revealed yet. So far all we know is that it is a stone that can transmute beyond the equivalent exchange.

Why did the Elric Brothers fail at trying to resurrect their mother? - They did not have all the requirements to bring back a human. All they had were requirements for a human body, but not a soul.

Why did Edward buy the mining certificate from Yoki? Do you think he did the right thing by deceiving one of his own kind like that with the gold? - He bought the certificate from Yoki to return the mines to the proper owners who are the townspeople. I believe Ed did the right thing because Yoki was abusing his powers and now Yoki can be brought to justice by the government.

Why was the train hijacked? - Because a government official was on the train with his family and an extremist wanted to use him to ransom his leader out of jail.

__**Discussion 2: Language**__ Volume 2

A: Dan B: Jesy C1: Jeff C2: Eric D: Jen

__Language__

The language is pretty easy to understand, except for when it gets really scientific. It is easy to read, and appears to be written for late middle school grades, like 7th or 8th. It is too gory and inappropriate for anyone younger to really read, but that doesn’t really stop them.

__Summary__

There really isn't much to summarize. Jesy and Jen were the only ones present for the Book Group. They made cake, and shared with the class. They discussed the quotes that Jesy came up with, and that was pretty much it. We also had a discussion about the language of the book.

__Quotes__

1. "'something so small'...? You're right. People may call us dogs or devils [of the government] but Al and I will get our original bodies back. But we're not devils or Gods. We're humans! We can't even save one little girl! We're just pathetic human beings..." - Edward Elric

2. "All it took was for you to spread some propaganda among my "followers" to get them started, and this is the result. Humans really are simple creatures. Bloodshed begets bloodshed. Hatred begets hatred. The rage and emotion sinks into the land and stains it with the crest of blood." - Envy

3. "'This world flows by obeying these laws. Death too is a part of that flow. Accept the flow of the world.' Our teacher really beat that into us. I thought I knew what she meant. But I didn't. That's why mom...and that's why I'm wondering what I can do about something that nobody can fix. I'm a fool. I haven't grown up at all since then. I thought that the rain would wash away all my doubt, but all I know is that the rain on my face is starting to bug me..." - Edward Elric

4. "This world was made perfect by God. Alchemist change the natural into the unnatural...twists things out of their true form...they sin by defacing God's creation. I am an instrument of divine judgement." - Scar

5. "The Isbalans are a people from the east, who believe in one God, Isbal. Due to religious differences they'd always been in conflict with the Central government. But thirteen years ago, when an army officer accidentally shot an Isbalan child, the incident exploded into civil war. Riot led to riot, and soon the fires of civil war spread throughout the entire east area. After seven frustrating years, the military commanders took a new tactic. They used state alchemists in an all-out genocide campaign. They were recruited as human weapons. It was an opportunity to test their suitability for war. I was one of those alchemist." - Roy Mustang (a.k.a The Flame Alchemist)

__Questions__

(1-5) by Eric

1. Was Tucker's decision to use his daughter and dog for the experiment right or wrong? Should he have accepted the revoking of his license?: Using his daughter was wrong and unnatural. But he really wanted to renew his license and he should had looked for another solution.

2. Is Scar a hypocrite? Isn't he changing the natural into the unnatural?: Yes, Scar is a hypocrite because he is using alchemy to kill state alchemist. He is a murderer and using alchemy as a weapon.

3. Would you consider our soldiers dogs of the government, or is it different in the story?: Yes because they listen to orders and can not go against it. They must do what the high ups say and can't neglect it.

4. Is Scar doing the right thing by killing human beings?: No because revenge and killing and is never the answer.

5. Would you have done the same thing Ed and Al did, and try to bring your mother back?: No because I see death as a way of life and even though I will miss my mother, I believe humans are not meant to live forever.

(6-10) by Jeff

6. Shou Tucker, after combining his daughter and dog to make a chimera, tells Ed that it was the same idea as what the Elric brothers did years before when they tried to transmute their mother. Do you think he has a point?: Yes he does have a point because the Elric brothers went against the "equivalent exchange" to get something they wanted, while Tucker combined his daughter and dog to get something he wanted. They both did something unnatural, but the Elric brothers regret what they done while Tucker does not.

7. To justify his killing, Scar says it is the word of God that he kills those who go against God, who try to change things from their intended states. Do you think it is his job to carry out God's word?: No, because God did not give him the power of alchemy, God gave alchemy to the people and how they use it depends on the person. Scar says he is the word of God, but this just sounds like something a crazy person would do.

8. Do you think Scar is killing people to legitimately carry out God's word, or do you think there could be an ulterior motive to his actions?: ulterior motive because he is an Isbalan and during the war there was a genocide against the Isbalans and Scar is one of the few who survived.

9. When Alphonse tells Ed to flee the battle, why do you think he doesn't?: He does because then he would be leaving behind his brother. As the older brother, I feel as if Ed felt he should stay because he is the oldest and he wanted to make sure Scar kept his word and would not harm his brother because he is only after Ed.

10. Althought the Elrics had backup and Scar was severely outnumbered, he still put up a fight and held his own. Do you think that would have been reason enough for Ed to abandon the battle?: Yes

__**Discussion 3: Mood/Tone**__

A: Jen B: Dan C1: Jesy C2: Jeff D: Eric

__Mood/Tone__

The mood and tone of this book portrays a hefty amount of determination. Determination is present most often within this book, in examples such as Edward and Al's determination to restore their bodies, Lust and Gluttony's determination to kill Ed and Al and become human, as well as Scar's determination to kill Ed and Al, and to destroy all State Alchemists. It seems the mood of these characters, as well as the book entirely, has the "I will stop at nothing to complete my task" tone of voice.

__Summary__


 * The majority of the discussion was spent answering the posted questions, and most of these answers resulted in deep discussions of various moral arguments. One big discussion involved the morals about the legendary piece of equipment, the Philosopher's Stone. The Philosopher's Stone is a stone that allows Alchemists to perform alchemy while ignoring the law of equivalent exchange, which states that you must destroy to create. In order to create a Philosopher's Stone, one must sacrifice multiple human lives, which Edward despises the most. The military created a Philosopher's Stone from prisoners and criminals who were sentenced to death. This argument can be argued both ways, saying the the military had, or did not have the right to use these lives for scientific advancements.
 * There was also discussion as to what the definition of a talent is, as described in the third quote. There's debate as to what is considered a talent.

__Quotes__

(1-5) by Dan

=
This was said after they learned that prisoners on death row were being used as materials to create a philosopher’s stone. Is this the only thing the military does that is inhumane, considering that they’re trained to kill?======

=
Edward said this because he is always so close to finding the philosopher’s stone, but is then knocked down. He finally learned how to create one, but it requires human sacrifices. He claims that this is God telling him he cannot reach his goal.======

=
Edward still considers his enemies as humans, even though they are in suits of armor. He does not want to consider them otherwise, because then he would have to concede to the truth that Alphonse is not a human.======

__Questions__

(1-5) by Jesy

1. Why does Roy Mustang want to be President? Power? Greed?: Power because some people want power, such as becoming president of the United States.

2. Do you believe the government has the right to use criminals on death row as expierments?: yes, but if it is painful then the criminal should have a choice.

3. Why were Berry and the others left behind at the lab after their transmutation? Were they a success like Alphonse?: To be bodyguards for the lab and yes, they were a success like Alphonse.

4. Why does Ed not trust 2nd Lieutenant Ross and Sergeant Brosh? Could it be that he doesn't trust adults? Why?: Ed and Al seem to be loners and like to keep things between themselves.

5. When Ross and Brosh find Ed and Al missing they go after him, even though Ed and Al can take care of themselves. Besides being their body guards, do you believe adults are obligated to protect children, even when children can take care of themselves?: Yes because humans have this feeling of protecting other humans. Parents by law have to take care of their children until they are 18 years of age. Ross and Brosh are responsible for Ed and Al because they are their bodyguards. But adults do seem obligated to protect children, even when they can take care of themselves.

(6-10) by Jeff

6. Automail is described as a state-of-the-art material used to make quality limbs for those without them. Do we have the technology to make artificial limbs to the extent they do in FullMetal Alchemist? Based on this, do you think this story takes place in the future, past, or present?

Because of the automail, it can be argued that it does take place in the future, albeit in a parallel universe where alchemy exists in the form it does in the story. However, because of the parallel universe theory, it can also be argued that it takes place in the present or even the past, also in a parallel universe because there is no advanced technology that we have today.

7. When Ed visits the site of his old home, it is stated that they burned it down after the incident. Why do you think they burned their own house?

They burned down their own house so that they could not backtrack and repeat the incident.

8. Although the brothers do not have their original home or family to return to, Granny Pinako and Winry consider them a part of theirs and offer their home. Although Ed doesn't talk about it, how much do you think he relies on his friends?

From what we gathered from the first three books, his friends help him and support him a lot, mostly during the fight with Scar and when they had to repair their automail.

9. The research facility that created the Philosopher's Stone is "suspiciously" located next to the prison. Also, the corpses of the inmates on death row have never been returned to their families. Thus, it is implied that their lives were used in the making of the Philosopher's Stone. How do you feel about this?

If their bodies were used as experiments rather than when they were alive, it is not that inhumane because they are using their resources wisely. If they were alive, though, it would be inhumane if they did not get their permission first before experimenting on them.

10. During the fight between Barry and Alphonse, Barry tries to convince him the Ed may have fabricated his memory to fulfill his selfish desire of not being alone rather than bring back his own brother. Do you think he would do this based on his personality shown so far? Also, do you think he may have actually done this, given that they don't answer the question?

Since Ed seems like a down-to-earth person, we believe that he would not do this and thus believe that he has not done this.


 * __Discussion 4: Theme/Image__**

A: Eric B: Jen C1: Dan C2: Jesy D: Jeff

__Theme/Image__ There are multiple themes present within this series of books, but there are a few themes that stand out easily. One apparent theme is the theme of science versus religion, and which is the true basis of creation. Were we created by God, or did everything happen due to scientific purposes? Alchemy, the primary science in this series, is a science of creation, manipulating matter into other matter with what is given; this is known as equivalent exchange. Another character, Scar, is an outlaw who intends on killing State Alchemists, a militaristic group of Alchemists, because they are disobeying Gods natural way and creating something in their eyes instead of Gods. Another apparent theme is the theme of what it means for something to be human, or alive. Al, Ed's brother, does not have a body, but his soul is attached to a suit of armor, making his soul present in the real world. Given that information, it is possible to argue on both ends as to if Al is considered living or not.

__Summary__

Similar to previous meetings, the majority of the time was spent on discussing the quotations and questions presented by the other group members (Though the questions did not pertain to this week's reading, that is aside the point). Unlike last week, there was no moral discussion relating to the creation of the Philosopher's stone, though there was a shorter discussion on the fabrication of one's memory which was provoked by the seventh discussion question below. In the world of FullMetal Alchemist, would this feat even be possible? Would Edward do that and create a fake brother?

Other discussions included why the events as described in some of the discussion questions occurred and why the Elric brothers are victims in a huge plot. Though debatable, the opinion of the majority seemed to be with "because they are the main characters" and the rest of the discussions stemmed from that thought. It was even extended to other thoughts such as why other characters were involved in the main plot. Unfortunately, a similar answer was given - they get a lot of page time.

__Quotes__ First of all...you may be talented, sir, but you must remember that you're still a child! And secondly, you can't always act on your own. You need to learn to work with the people around you....It's ok to trust adults sometimes. (p. 37)

What if your personality and memories were all fabricated by your "big brother"? (p. 47)

I came out here today to fix his arm-I didn't expect to find him hospitalized with severe injuries. And Al seems to have a lot on his mind, too. It was just two weeks ago.....that I made that brand-new auto-mail for Ed, and when I saw it today it was in really bad shape. Not only that but his whole body was covered with wounds. It makes me wonder what kind of lives they lead. But they never tell me anything about it. They didn't even tell me when they decided to leave town to get their original bodies back. Maybe if we were a real family.....they might have told me about their journey and about what caused his wounds. (p. 80)

They would rather shoulder their pain themselves....than cause their loved ones to worry. (p. 81)

Maybe what you wanted to tell me was that my soul and my memories are all fake and that they ere created artificially. Well, "big brother"? Can you prove that a person named Alphonse Elric really existed!? Isn't it possible that Winry, granny and everyone else is lying to me!!? (p. 93)

__Questions__

(1-5 by Jesy) (6-10 by Dan)

1. Why do you believe Envy and the other homculi do NOT want Ed dead?: Because they need him for their plan and state that he plays a major role in their plan.

2. In the manga, why is president Bradley also known as "fuher" which in our history was a title given to Hitler.: For the manga to be interesting. It's just an interesting title to give him.

3. What is Ed afraid to ask Al and why?: Ed is afraid to ask Al if Al blames him for the condition that he is in and that he has no body.

4. Lt. Colonel Hughes dies near the end of volume 4, do you believe his death was necessary now or should the author have waited?: Should have waited because it seems that the author created him and then had no purpose for him and in the end just made him die.

5. Scar is discovered by Isbalans who live near the sewers and state that they won't turn him in simply because he is an Isbalan. Do you believe they should turn him in because he's a criminal, why or why not?

6. Envy was talking about sacrificing Ed, but what makes him a better sacrifice than anyone else?: His skill with alchemy. He may not be a sacrifice for the philospher stone but maybe some different part of creating it.

7. Why do you think that Al so quickly accepted the idea that his mind was fabricated?: Barry is just like him, a soul in a suit of armor. Also some mind tricks.

8. Why do you think that the Elric brothers never tell Winry anything even though they're so close?: They don't want her to get involve and worry about them. They are also afraid of her becoming a target.

9. Why did Lust have to kill Lt. Colonel Hughes? What did he know that she didn't want him to know?: Lt. Colonel Hughes was researching about the Isbalan war and discovered something that he said was mess up. They never reveal what it is but he dies before he can tell Roy Mustang.

10. At Lt. Colonel Hughes funeral, Mustang claimed that it was raining. Why did he say that?: Because he was crying. A fellow officer that he was close to was dead and he thought it was raining because he was sad.

__**Discussion 5: Responding to Text**__

A: Jeff B: Eric C1: Jen C2: Dan D: Jesy

__Responding to Text__

One of the underlying themes to FullMetal Alchemist is the value of human life. Throughout the series they talk about preserving life and keeping the natural order of nature intact. From what we've read so far of the 108 chapter series, the action, dialogue, and presentation make it hard to not recommend it to peers, especially since it is easy to read and follow due to the pictures and illustrations on each page. However, because of that, it may be difficult to be considered for the school's curriculum, though the action scenes would keep students interested. Although it is relatively new, it is already considered one of the greatest all-time classics of manga series, though it has not really been thoroughly discussed in other forms of media.

Collective grade: ∞/5 stars.

__Summary__

Today we enjoy our pancake/waffle cake with decorations and our names. It was really good with one side being vanilla and another chocolate. We disscusseed volume 5 of FMA and talked mostly about the quote, "all is one and one is all,". We also discussed why Ed kept picking and blaming himself over and over again. We came to the conclusion that when he is close to gaining information, something pops up that bothers him about the information or he loses it all together. We also talked about how humans should not be brought back to life because that is now how "life" goes. Life goes in one direction and never goes the other way, so death is just something we all have to deal with. Also in Ed's pocket watch it says "don't forget. 3 OCT 11, which was the date that Ed burned his house down and we talked how he never wanted to turn back and it was a memo to always move forward.

Our discussions went quick because things kept over lapping. 5 min. before 9:30am we were done with our Book Club and went in our own directions.

__Quotes__ The baby stays inside his mom for 280 days before coming out in to the world. Its unbelievable, nobody tell the baby but he comes out after 280 days. Even if he's tiny, he still alive.

State alchemist, living weapon, at this important time, I cant do anything.

Alchemists throughout the centuries were unable to create life! But a woman is ale to carry a life to terms in 280 days. ... but its still wonderful, humans are really amazing.

"When Im called to be a living weapon, I dont know if it means ill have to take life, im afraid." "But you'll do this even to accomplish your dreams?" "I have a dream to fulfill no matter what!" "Looks like you didnt just break my rules."

One is all, all is one. If you can't find the answer in one month i'll send you boys home.

__Questions__

1-5 by Dan 1. Ed mentions that alchemists throughout centuries were unable to create life. But hasn't life been created in the earlier parts of the story? (Cornello brought birds back to life, the guardian of the sacrificial facility told Al that it was possible that his soul was fabricated)

We believe that it is more likely that it is just an inconsistency in the main story.

2. Mr. Tommy has "painful" memories of Granny Pinaco. What could he be suggesting when he says this?

Since nothing more is said, we are not sure what he could be suggesting.

3. Ed really seems to have a grudge against his father. Why do you think he does?

It is stated that he just abruptly left his wife and never returned for her funeral. Ed also stated that his mother died waiting for his father. This is why he hates him.

4. In the flashback, Al asks Ed why transmutating human human life is forbidden, but he doesn't know. Why do you think it is forbidden?

It could be that people don't want other people to be immortal. If the mortality rate is at zero and the birth rate is at nonzero, then the population would increase too much.

5. Why does Mrs. Curtis leave Ed and Al on an island for a month? How does this help them?

To train them and get them used to the fact that their trainer wouldn't completely care for them.

6-10 by Jen 6. Why did the bridge give out when Edward was trying to make a new one after the old bridge got struck by lightning and they had no way to get to town to get a doctor for the girl having the baby?

There wasn't enough support to hold the bridge across the chasm.

7. Do you agree or disagree with Edward cheating and using alchemy to win in that automail arm wrestling contest?

It was for comedic purposes and since we found that part funny, we agree with what happened.

8. Why do you think Edward wrote “Don’t forget 3.Oct.11” inside his state alchemist watch?

He wanted to remember the date that he burned his house.

9. Why is that guy afraid of Pinako?

It is never stated.

10. At the flashback at the end of the chapter, does it look like the brothers were going to die during their training on the island? What does “One is all, all is one” mean?

It looked like they would, but they did not. The quotation refers to the belief that all beings are connected with the world.

= FINISH!!! =