1.Why does Murrary find "The Most Photographed Barn in America" so interesting? Or rather the people at the barn. This question comes from She Said She Said's blog and after reading it I have some what of a conclusion to why Murray takes a special interest in the barn. First off, I think it becomes quite apparent in the first three chapters of the book that this Murray guy is a little different. Usually, people are attracted to colorful vibrancy when it comes to marketing, it is appealing; however, we learn early on that Murray enjoys white packaging. This leads me to believe that he is a man that strives to be a nonconformist, a foil to Jack, whose family is depicted to be slightly brainwashed. I do not think Murray finds the barn itself interesting, as the blogger noticed, I think he is confused more than anything at why so many people would come see this one particular barn that is so often photographed when there are literally millions of barns in America. His interest suggests he is not a typical man or a follower in any way.
2. 9. Why is the school evacuation played off as not too serious? There is little discussion of it... why? This question came from Fettucini Alfredo's blog and appealed to me because after reading it I wondered the same thing. In today's society would a school evacuation be made a much bigger deal than the one in the novel? I think it definitely would, I mean people did not die or anything but the many headaches, eye irritations, and taste of metal left in the mouth is truly bizarre. The author's delivery of news that would seem shocking to us, or at least myself, is delivered with a flatness, almost like the author is bored. I think this serves to show a further development in conformity and a state of brainwashing. The author shows us that these characters are unlikely to think on their own and simply do what they are told, and never question it. This is the biggest instance I have noticed so far to display qualities of a true dystopian society.
3. 7. Describe Jack and Babette's relationship. The author of this question is Symphony. I would describe their relationship as cute. That was the first word the popped into my head and I think it really fits them; they have both come from previous marriages and have had other children with other people, yet are together now and still happy. They tell each other how they are feeling and take part in their hobbies together as well. The chapter in which Babette and Jack are discussing what to do one evening before going to bed is a little disturbing at first, yet, Jack's final choice in spending the evening with his wife laughing and looking at old pictures is touching and shows a certain happiness between them that was not noticed as much before. I find it interesting that the two can have a moment like this when this novel at other times has strong dystopian elements; it is unusual in most dystopian stories to find such a pure happiness, however, it is only the beginning of the novel....
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