Saturday, February 28, 2009
Week 1: Character
The main character in this book reminds me of a stereotypical young man, who just isn't sure what he wants to do or where he is going in life. To reference "Avenue Q", he reminds of the song 'Purpose'. He has a job, but nothing in his life seems to fulfill him. He just continues on in his monotonous life. He also seems to be introverted, and frankly just bored. With his job, his life, everything. This is especially true up until the appearance of his girlfriend (the girl with the nice ears). She seems to be the only source of excitement in his life. Even that doesn't make him that excited, although that could just be because of his introverted personality. He is also very calm, even when dealing with difficult times such as his divorce. I'm guessing that his 'Wild Sheep Chase' that is coming will bring out more of his personality, but as of now he seems quiet, calm, and bored. That said, I'm really enjoying this book.
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Ok, wow, we've definitely come to a common consensus as to the character of our...um...character. He's boring, bored, and brimming with potential. It would be pretty funny if at the end he just continues with his boring life. It would shoot all of our theories down, but it would also be kind of encouraging. Wouldn't it be refreshing for someone to tell you it's okay to be mediocre?
ReplyDeleteI think that the book would be kind of a let down if the character just continued with his boring life. The description of his boring life builds suspense for me like I expect something to happen. We also said that he has so much potential, wouldn't you be dissapointed if that was wasted?
ReplyDeleteAthena,
ReplyDeleteThat's such a good point. We are trained to predict, and analyze, but what happens when all of that fails to do us justice? I suppose I would have faith that not all books are predictable to an extent if the story ended up like that. Nice message, though, wouldn't it be? After so many people in the media telling us that's NOT okay? Hmmm.
I guess it would almost be nice if the character continued with his mediocrity. I'm not saying mediocrity or under-achieved should be embraced, but I really like the idea that sometimes it's okay not to be the very best. And that would be something different, since most stories end up with a successful, overachieving main character fulfilling their purpose.
ReplyDeleteI agree with Athena that it would be funny if he just went back to being bored after a ridiculously exciting adventure. It would make a good anticlimactic ending.
ReplyDeleteI think we all agree he is boring and normal. I am not sure how much potential he has if he has no will to use it.
ReplyDelete