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February 2011 Moms
courtneyt13
member
Water for Elephants Discussion- Part 1
courtneyt13
member
I hope you are all having fun reading the book so far. I am posting the questions now instead of Friday morning because I won't be online until later tomorrow and wanted to make sure I got this posted. The discussion questions are primarily for the chapters 1-5. Feel free to post your own questions to add to the discussion.
Let me know if this was too much reading or not enough and we can decide how many chapters the next section we read should be. I know it can be hit or miss depending on our LOs.
If you haven't read these chapters you may not want to read anymore of this thread.....Okay, I warned you.
1. When you first read the Prologue, who did you think murdered the man? What are your impressions of the openinging scene of chaoes and murder?
2. Based on the first few chapters, what differences to you see between young Jacob and old Jacob? How do you think his character will develop?
3. At the begining of the book, Jacob has a hard time adjusting to the circus. Why do you think this is?
( Can I just add that I totally had flashbacks from high school as I was reading and looking up discussion questions 
)
This discussion has been closed.
Re: Water for Elephants Discussion- Part 1
I am sure you still have time. You pick it up and give it a try. It's pretty good so far.
A Frog, A Monkey and a Ladybug
1. When you first read the Prologue, who did you think murdered the man? What are your impressions of the openinging scene of chaoes and murder?
I was a little confused in the beginning, but I did get the impression that Marlena killed the man. I agree with the PP that said it seemed as if the animals my have been let out on purpose, maybe as a distraction.
2. Based on the first few chapters, what differences to you see between young Jacob and old Jacob? How do you think his character will develop?
I think young Jacob was more naive and fairly innocent, with the world just starting to open up to him. He was virtually carefree, which is why his whole world was turned upside down when he got the news about his parents. That part made me so sad for him.
Old Jacob still has the "spark" that young Jacob did, but it seems like he's been through so much that he's become sort of skeptical of everyone around him. He is less confident, especially because he's old and forgetful, and is possibly dealing with dementia. He longs for the days of his youth, and holds onto the memory of simple things that used to make him happy (like crunchy apples).
3. At the begining of the book, Jacob has a hard time adjusting to the circus. Why do you think this is?
The circus is SO different from everything he's ever known, and he's only there because he has nowhere else to go. He's just lost his parents and his dad's business, and he feels that he can't ever go back to where he came from. He wants a fresh start, but he feels lost, and the "circus people" he encounters definitely do NOT offer the warmth and comfort he so desperately needs after the loss of his parents. I feel like he's struggling with who he wants to be, and wants so badly to have an identity, but he just doesn't know yet what that means.1. When you first read the Prologue, who did you think murdered the man? What are your impressions of the openinging scene of chaoes and murder?
I think it was Marlena that killed the man. I am not sure if the animals were let out on purpose or if it just happened and she saw a chance and took it.
2. Based on the first few chapters, what differences to you see between young Jacob and old Jacob? How do you think his character will develop?
Young Jacob seemed so quite, shy, bashful, and impressionable. He seemed like the type of person who would do whatever he was told with no questions asked.
Old Jacob seemed to be ornery and not willing to just sit down and shut-up. He has the been there done that type of attitude. He knows what he likes/ wants and he is willing to fight for it.
3. At the begining of the book, Jacob has a hard time adjusting to the circus. Why do you think this is?
I think it is so different than anthing he has ever known. He was trying to deal with loosing his whole life basically... his parents, school, and his dads business. He seemed kind of shy and quiet, witch seems to be the oposite of the circus life.
1. When you first read the Prologue, who did you think murdered the man? What are your impressions of the openinging scene of chaoes and murder? I really thought Marlena killed the man. I was thinking it was Uncle Al that she killed and she did it so her and Jacob could be together. I thought Uncle Al felt like he owned her and wouldn't let her be with anyone else.
2. Based on the first few chapters, what differences to you see between young Jacob and old Jacob? How do you think his character will develop? Young Jacob is so lost for lack of better terms. He isn't sure where he is going in life and what he should be doing. He is trying learn about life and how to get through it. Old Jacob has lived his life, learned so much about how ppl are and so many different types of ppl. He also is very set in his ways, but I think he is very kind when he wants to be.
3. At the begining of the book, Jacob has a hard time adjusting to the circus. Why do you think this is? I think it holds so many memories for him some of which he might not have wanted to relive.
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A Frog, A Monkey and a Ladybug
1. When you first read the Prologue, who did you think murdered the man? What are your impressions of the openinging scene of chaoes and murder?
I think that Marlena murdered the man however I think the animals being released may or may not have been her. Perhapes someone else let the animals out to create a diversion. Honestly, I found that the first page or two a little hard for me to get started reading. It may have been that I was trying to get Hannah to sleep and was reading while I was rocking her. But after I got past it and moved into the first chapter I was very intrigued and really wanted to know more about the murder and how it happened. I agree with PP and think that Marlena may have been subjected to some sort of abuse...maybe something to do with Barbara.
2. Based on the first few chapters, what differences to you see between young Jacob and old Jacob? How do you think his character will develop?
I felt so bad for old Jacob. He is more confident and experienced than young Jacob. When young Jacob was 'interviewing' for the job, he didn't even tell Uncle Al about his experiences as a vet or schooling. He just said he wanted to work with animals. I think that really says something about his personality that he would just keep that quiet even if it meant that he would be turned away. Old Jacob immediately spoke up and confronted McGuinty. I wanted to add that the scene which Jacob heads home and sees the new vet sign was so poignant. Then he realizes that his father had mortgaged the home for Jacob. I could see how that could push him right over the edge. I think that we will see young Jacob grow and heal from his parents' death as time goes on.
3. At the begining of the book, Jacob has a hard time adjusting to the circus. Why do you think this is?
Jacob was so upset by his parents death and felt so alone and the circus was so far from his life experiences (college education, probably middle class, etc.) that he would take some time getting comfortable.
sorry for the repeat posts
I totally didn't think of this! But I think you are right. I think the question is asking about Old Jacob feelings toward the circus coming to town.
So my updated #3- Obviously the circus has mixed feelings for Jacob. He seems to have had good and bad experiences that have formed his impression of the circus. It seemed to bother him the most that McGuinty lied about working for the circus and had no knowledge of the actual work invoved in caring for the elephants.
I want
toI totally didn't think of this! But I think you are right. I think the question is asking about Old Jacob feelings toward the circus coming to town.
So my updated #3- Obviously the circus has mixed feelings for Jacob. He seems to have had good and bad experiences that have formed his impression of the circus. It seemed to bother him the most that McGuinty lied about working for the circus and had no knowledge of the actual work invoved in caring for the elephants.
I