More on this book
Community
Kindle Notes & Highlights
John Singer dreams he is kneeling before Antonapoulos, who stands at the head of a set of stairs. Behind Singer kneel the four other main characters: Mick, Biff, Jake, and Copeland. How does Singer’s dream reflect the relationships among the main characters? To what extent is Singer’s love of Antonapoulos similar to the attention paid to Singer by Mick, Biff, Jake, and Copeland? Are these characters capable of loving one another? Of receiving love? Are some characters better emotionally equipped than others? Why or why not?
there is a heirachy of who worships who
What does the violin symbolize?
ummmmm idk
Do you feel closer to Mick than you do to the other narrators?
mick's voice was the easiest to hear throughout the story. I dont know if i felt "closer" i liked each characters narration.
Mick compartmentalizes her thoughts into what she calls an inner room and an outer room. Why does she do this? Do other characters show this same type of duality? How does it manifest itself?
Do you think Copeland’s self-perception that he is a failure is valid?
I think this is part of the problem with his worldview and with placing hope in the "changing" others. At the end of our life we will inevitably be tempted to only reflect on our short comings and MOST people with some sort of "message" or revelation will have to look upon a world that just cant see it the same way.
How many of his frustrations are a result of racial bias in society? Why do you suppose his relationships with his children are fraught?
he thinks religion is foolishness and thinks its holding his culture back, he has too much pride in knowledge to just love them for who they are.
What relevance does the novel have today? How much has changed since the 1930s?
its completely relevant. In a world where people are more isolated than ever, they're screaming for purpose and what they believe is right, trying to satisfy something that is probably impossible to satisfy. I think some things have definitely changed and some things simply never will.
