So, I really like this book so far. I really enjoy the amount of detail he is pouring into the town. I'm sure by the end we will all feel like we have been there.
My only question so far is Chapter Two. I think it is beautifully written, but had a hard time trying to figure out what the point he's trying to get at is. I understand the religious metaphors but couldn't wrap my head all the way around it.
Any thoughts?
5 comments:
Obviously I am taking this book to literally if I have missed these supposed "religious metaphors." I'm sure we will just be having a glimpse into this small niche of the world for the entirety of the book. Although catastrophes can occur, none will be the focus... this story just seems to have a flow from one person's life to the effect it has on the next.
I just got it from the library today. Anxious to dive in.
Jacquie, I love your glasses.
Ok. So, I just read chapter 2 and I think it's so wonderfully written! I think the metaphor is more cosmic than religious. We'll chat more about this at the meeting. I also LOVED the last part when he describes Mack and the boys!! "What can it profit a man to gain the whole world and to come to his property with a gastric ulcer, a blown prostate, and bifocals?" So great!!
I think chapter two is a good intro to a common theme throughout the book. Steinbeck is making a lot of claims about our society (western society in particular) as a whole. Our misguided attempts at finding happiness and love ("where men hungering for love destroy everything lovable about them"). Pointing out that the people who are commonly seen as worthless, pitiful, shameful - are the ones who are actually beyond materialism and place value in what's truly important. ("Mack and the boys avoid the trap...while trapped,poisoned, and trussed-up men scream at them and call them no-goods...").
I love how he talks about Lee Chong being a balance of evil and good. Discussing western influences on his eastern, taoist, heritage.
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