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Lori asked this question about Lincoln in the Bardo:
Just finished this and need a little help: 1) still not sure why Mr. Bevins appears with multiple eyes, legs, etc and 2) still a bit unclear on the reverend's journey--am struggling with why he was turned back to the "Bardo" and what he decided to finally do--more faith, more sacrifice? Any help or speculation appreciated!
Jennifer Kennedy Bevins wanted to appreciate living on earth with all of his senses and regretted not doing so while he was living. So, his sensory organs are multipli…moreBevins wanted to appreciate living on earth with all of his senses and regretted not doing so while he was living. So, his sensory organs are multiplied in the Bardo as a warped manifestation of his wishes. The reverend and all of the characters in the Bardo do not admit to having made any mistakes, or they at least come up with justifications for their mistakes they made while living. So, they can't move on until they are truthful with themselves. (less)
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Matthew Chisholm I read it both ways. There is a sense of both hiding from the truth of their own lives (willing ignorance), and also a sense that they world has too m ...more
Nov 19, 2017 07:19PM
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The Bamboo Traveler I think the reverend did make mistakes and that was why he was to be sent to hell, but he escaped and went back to the bardo. Jennifer, that's a very ...more
Dec 03, 2017 07:10PM
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Lincoln in the Bardo
by George Saunders
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