Chapter 6 Reflection: The highlights of this chapter were the philosophy behind translation, Robin questioning Babel, and Robin deciding to make his mark on the tree. The philosophy behind translation was so well thought out and intriguing. It was rather impactful when Robin asks if translation is meant to bring mankind together. The reaction from his professor and even his classmates were rather negative. Again, I feel like this is Kuang really trying to cement their point. Most of the chapter was Robin’s path to a decision. I think that asking the questions that he did seems like the most logical way to determine a stance. In the end, emotion really pushed him there, but he does seem to not agree with a lot of the answers he received from Babel staff. When Robin finally makes his decision, he uses a pen to scratch a cross in the tree. Therefore, making his mark. The fact he uses a pen seems symbolic and fitting for his role in translating language. I’m very interested to see where this goes.
*Side Note: Professor Lovell seems slimier and slimier as time goes on. It’s clear he dominates the Chinese translation for Babel. He also has made clear his negative views of Chinese in society and as people in general. The way he speaks about Robin’s mother is atrocious and he has had two Chinese sons despite all this. Oh and he’s married. SO…I can’t help but wonder…is he purposefully having children to for the sake of sending them to Babel? This would allow him to have a lot of control surrounding what he describes as the future of silver work. Where there is silver there is money.
