So far we have been given an introduction to some of the characters, the main plot, theme and setting for our novel, My Name is Red. We have learned that this book is basically a murder mystery. In chapter 4, the murder challenges us (p 17) "try to discover who I am from my choice of words and colors." He also tells reveals the motive for the murder-- to silence Elegant who "was prepared to confess everything to everyone."
Can you list the other clues the murder give us about his motives, actions, and identity in Chapter 4?
The murder and Elegant get into a debate about responsibilities and obligations of our actions. The murder says "we must do as we are told." Elegant says "we must distinguish good from evil--we have our own free will." Who do you side with? Can you give a modern-day example of each of these philosophies?
The murder tries to justify the act of murder by looking for affirming signs from God (p 21). What do you think of his rationale? Have you ever had people rationalize their behavior in a similar way?
In chapter 5, by way of Black's visit, we are introduced to Beloved Uncle (Enishte). Enishte makes a statement about Black's acts of respect toward him(p 22): "all of this not only announces that he is the sensible grown man he aspires to be, but it reminds me that I am indeed the venerable elder I aspire to be." Enishte further says (p 23) "True respect arises not from the heart, but from discrete rules and deference." Do you agree? Do you think Black's acts of respect were genuine? For what other reason/s would Black want to be respectful to Enishte?
What did Enishte do to keep Black from his daughter Shekure? Why does he not want Shekure and Black to have a relationship?
In chapter 5, Enshinte gives us the reasons he wants to create the "secret" painting for the Sultan. Can you name some of them? What aspects of the creation of portraiture in the Venetian style does Enshinte find so appealing?
In chapter 6, we learn why Enshinte invited Black to return to Istanbul. What was the task that he asked Black to perform?
We meet little Orhan, Enshinte's grandson and the younger of Shekure's two sons. How does Orhan become aware that his mother might be more than casually interested in Black? What happened to Orhan's father?
Enshinte (p 28) says: "Yet does illustrating in a new way signify a new way of seeing?" Is the author alluding to more than art when he says this?
Please share your comments on your reading of these 3 chapters by next Monday. You can discuss any, all or none of the questions posted. Your own comments and observations and questions to the group are most welcome!! Don't forget to post some links or sites you've found for the rest of us if you've done further research.
Thank you and happy reading.
6 comments:
Can you list the other clues the murder give us about his motives, actions, and identity in Chapter 4?
Clues about his motives: Murder is afraid that Elegant will not keep the secret they are trying to keep about the illuminations because Elegant believes that they have commited a 'desecration'. He also feared for his life as he described the story of Husrev and Shirin.
Clues about his actions: Murder is returning to the scene of the crime to make sure that all traces of the killing have been covered up so his identity will not be revealed. He is afraid that the people he meets in the street as he is wandering will know that he is a murderer because of they will be able to read it in his face.
Clues about his identity: He revealed to us that he has worked with Elegant for 25 years and he called him his brother, which could mean that he was a brother gilder, not his real blood brother. It was also revealed to the reader that the identity of someone can be known without a signature by looking at the colors that are used and the words that are used and his own personal 'style' as a miniaturist.
Woo Hooo !!!! Great comments Jackie. Thanks for posting. I hope these clues will help us identify the killer.
Thanks Jan. Those were great questions that were asked. I wish I could have answered all of them but I run out of time and energy to write the answers. lol...but Ray and I are discussing them and that is fun. I have to do the typing for him too. I love to learn what he thinks about the story and what you and Gilly thinks too. (has she received the book yet?) Ray is really liking this book and is forging ahead with his reading. Now he has to go back to answer some of the questions. He is already on Chap. 16.
Ray's comments for Chap. 4-6. Enshinte asked Black to come back to help recreate the book for the sultan. His depiction of his environment leaves little to the imagination. Of special importance is his skill in describing his art, his skill, his occupation. Describing his skill, his artwork, and his trade gives us an insight into the work of a miniaturist during his time.
Don't worry Jackie, I pose all those questions only to help the group along. You don't have to answer them at all if you don't want to. The fact that you and Ray are discussing the book makes me really happy. Isn't it fun to think about another time and another place and another kind of life? Wow, Ray is a fast reader!!! Gilly has the book and promises to post her thoughts soon. Thank you all for your comments.
Jan, I have a question for the group about the custom of kissing the hand and bringing it to the forehead and sitting with the knees together. Does anyone know the meaning of these two actions? Ray wants to know if they really thought they could inscribe something on a grain of rice or a human hair. He asks if you think it is an example of biblical exaggeration?
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