Jack Wolf

I’m tall I guess

[Jack Wolf @W0lfJack]

As I was reading this speech, I found myself thinking: have I read this before? It turns out I have, and forgot it entirely. Maybe I was “unconscious” while reading it? It forces the listener/reader to self-reflect (also thanks for everything Mr. Layton! I’ll miss ya) #laylit20

[Jack Wolf @W0lfJack]

This is Water reminded me of the “me trying to convince everyone else that I’m the main character” tiktok. Although most of the teens who’ve seen it do not know of this speech, it furthers Wallace’s notion that we all are conscious of our inherently self-centered nature #laylit20

[Jack Wolf @W0lfJack]

Published in the 1950s, a time in which America was synonymous with conformity, happiness did not come easily to most. Americans, however, chose to turn to consumer therapy to assuage their worries. Yet, it seems as though Vonnegut disagrees with this practice #laylit20

[Jack Wolf @W0lfJack]

A satire of American consumerism, Vonnegut’s the Euphio Question describes the boundless materialism that continues to plague our country. Big business is willing to throw out morality for the sake of millions, much like that of Lew Harrison #laylit20

[Jack Wolf @W0lfJack]

Published during a time in which America was deep into the Cold War, All the King’s Horses serves as an accurate microcosm of the global conflict. However, Vonnegut makes sure to convey how with war comes sacrifices on both sides #laylit20

[Jack Wolf @W0lfJack]

All the King’s Horses serves as a quite obvious critique on white colonialism. Pi Ying allows Kelly to move first, since he is the “white king.” In other words, Pi Ying considers the American prisoners not as humans, but physical representations of an oppressive west #laylit20

[Jack Wolf @W0lfJack]

The Ethical Suicide Hostesses are physical embodiments of the sexuality humanity had been forced to abandon. Although they seem to comfort their “customers,” they also exist as living reminders of society’s failures #laylit20

[Jack Wolf @W0lfJack]

For a story about sex and a long build-up leading to Nancy’s deflowering, it’s interesting that only one line is dedicated to the act. Maybe Vonnegut is trying to emphasize that the act of sex isn’t important, but rather the feelings that come with it? #laylit20

[Jack Wolf @W0lfJack]

Bell towers for the blind serve to aid schoolchildren in adapting to a time-based society. The fact that Catharine and Newt hear these bells could symbolize how they recognize, yet refuse to abide to societal standards in regards to marriage #laylit20

[Jack Wolf @W0lfJack]

I find it interesting that Newt planned to give Catharine a spoon, since they symbolize positivity and satisfaction in life. However, they also indicate household quarrels. If Catharine were to reject him, would this be Newt’s way of preforming a silent protest? #laylit20

[Jack Wolf @W0lfJack]

The fact that Harrison is able to both escape a (presumably) heavily armed prison and remove the iron restraints on his body suggests that he’s an almost invincible existence. However, why does Vonnegut make him instantly perish at the hands of the Handicapper General? #laylit20

[Jack Wolf @W0lfJack]

I find it interesting that Vonnegut states that “nobody was smarter
than anybody else” when he later reveals that George is a little smarter than average. However, this only furthers Vonnegut’s suggestion that an equal society is simply impossible to maintain #laylit20

[Jack Wolf @W0lfJack]

The presence of music within this final chapter holds great symbolic meaning. Fiona is unable to play emotional pieces due to her “respect for the rules” (200). However, her later performance almost certainly did not lack emotion. Fiona has learned to accept herself #laylit20

[Jack Wolf @W0lfJack]

As the book comes to a close, we (as readers) never receive a clear answer in regards to Jack's question. Did Fiona love Adam? Was this love romantic or parental? I’m leaning towards the former, as who describes the color of their child’s tongue? #laylit20

[Jack Wolf @W0lfJack]

Mark states that “in the Family Division its all champagne and fraise des bois” (198). In other words, they distract themselves from ongoing conflicts through temporary pleasures (much like Fiona with Adam). Is Adam a simple distraction? Or could he be something more? #laylit20

[Jack Wolf @W0lfJack]

While thinking about the kiss, Fiona calls Jack to organize a dinner date. However, she does this to distract herself from “paranoid reveries” that may or may not be morally unsound for a woman her age (182). Im beginning to think Jack might be justified in his actions #laylit20

[Jack Wolf @W0lfJack]

Fiona notices that the Judge’s Estate is “a fake” after interacting with Adam, expressing confusion as to why she “didn’t notice before” (164). Maybe Adam will teach her to truly value the things that surround her (and possibly serve as a liberating force?) #laylit20

[Jack Wolf @W0lfJack]

As Fiona watches the storm outside, she notices a branch snap off from the top of a tree. Eventually, through numerous hopeful struggles, it hits the ground with a crack. This may be McEwan’s way of foreshadowing Fiona’s future downfall #laylit20

[Jack Wolf @W0lfJack]

When arriving in Newcastle, Fiona states that “the hazy notion of renewal” haunted her as she reminisced about her past (153). Is it possible that she may be contemplating breaking away from her marital obligations (in other words, go down the same path as Jack)? #laylit20

[Jack Wolf @W0lfJack]

Within his letter, Adam states that Fiona’s cake is still in her hand even though she just ate it. This twists an English proverb that essentially states: you cant have the best of both worlds. McEwan implies that Fiona may benefit from being a bit more unreasonable #laylit20