Water for Elephants Discussion- Part 2- Ignore this one

courtneyt13

Sorry double post, ignore this one! 

 

 

I am so sorry I am late posting discussion questions.

** Please remember that if you haven't read up to chapter 10, do not read any further as there will be spoilers. **

 

 

I agree with PPs, maybe we could look at reading chapters a little quicker. I also have read the book and find it a little difficult to post questions that don't contain spoilers and I have to re-read sections to may sure I am answering the question. Some of the questions below are more general to the book as a whole.

1. Why is Jacob so unhappy in the assisted-living center? Is Jacob really angry with the nurses and other residents at the center? Is Jacob depressed as the doctor suggests or does Jacob's unhappiness go deeper than these simple suggestiosn?

2. In connection with Jacob's formal dinner with August and Marlena in their stateroom, Jacob remarks, "August is gracious, charming, and mischievous" (page 93). To what extent is this an adequate characterization of August? How would you expand upon Jacob's observation? How would you characterize August? Which situations in the novel reveal his true character?

3. After Jacob puts Silver Star down, August talks with him about the reality of the circus. "The whole thing's an illusion, Jacob," he says, "and there's nothing wrong with that. It's what people want from us. It's what they expect"(page 104). How does Gruen contrast the worlds of reality and illusion in the novel? Is there anything wrong with pandering to people's need for illusion? Why do we crave the illusions that the circus represents?

4. Let's discuss themes. I know some of us haven't finished yet, but at this point what are some of the important themes that you see forming in the book.

Feel free to post your own questions  

 

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