Not Logged in.
Book Jacket

The Guest Book


"An American epic in the truest sense…"
Entertainment Weekly
Summary and Reviews
Excerpt
Reading Guide
Author Biography

Central to Paul's academic work is the idea that "there is the crime and there is the silence." How does that statement echo throughout the novel?

Created: 07/02/19

Replies: 9

Posted Jul. 02, 2019 Go to Top | Go to bottom | link | alert
davinamw

Join Date: 10/15/10

Posts: 3442

Central to Paul's academic work is the idea that "there is the crime and there is the silence." How does that statement echo throughout the novel?

Central to Paul's academic work is the idea that "there is the crime and there is the silence." How does that statement echo throughout the novel? How does it relate to his and Evie's conversations about the stumble stones in Germany? What kinds of silences do we reproduce in our lives in this country now?


Posted Jul. 08, 2019 Go to Top | Go to bottom | link | alert
janines

Join Date: 11/21/16

Posts: 87

RE: Central to Paul's academic work is the idea that "there is the crime and there is the silence." How does that statement echo throughout the novel?

The silence of the Germans during Hilter's extermination of the Jews is an historical example of this. In the novel the Milton's bigotry towards Jews and blacks echoes this as well. The character of Evie and her disdain for the actions of her family but her unwillingness to look more closely into her family's past is he author's way of illustrating this.


Posted Jul. 08, 2019 Go to Top | Go to bottom | link | alert
dianac

Join Date: 04/02/13

Posts: 91

RE: Central to Paul's academic work is the idea that "there is the crime and there is the silence." How does that statement echo throughout the novel?

Paul's sanctimonious nature grated on my nerves. The world is not black and white.


Posted Jul. 08, 2019 Go to Top | Go to bottom | link | alert
katherinep

Join Date: 07/16/14

Posts: 374

RE: Central to Paul's academic work is the idea that "there is the crime and there is the silence." How does that statement echo throughout the novel?

I absolutely agree with dianac. Just how many generations are Trojans to bemoan the use of the horse? Why should Evie have to feel guilt for the sins of the grandparents? Why should she feel guilt for loving and owning the Island? And how, by giving up the Island, is she making reparations for those who came before? I'm am so sick of this attitude. But the author took care of it just fine, right? The Jewish son of the rejected lover and
the black friend of the sacrificed son wind up with it. And to top it off, Evie is half Jewish! I wonder if they will tell her?

The whole premise of this book and its resolutions were cliched and too pat.


Posted Jul. 10, 2019 Go to Top | Go to bottom | link | alert
bestmartin's Gravatar
bestmartin

Join Date: 02/20/13

Posts: 103

RE: Central to Paul's academic work is the idea that

I really liked Paul’s statement which is reflected by many situations throughout the book, including Evie’s unwillingness to look at her parents' prejudice. What I liked about Paul’s statement is that it expands the definition of culpability to include the ones who are silent.


Posted Jul. 11, 2019 Go to Top | Go to bottom | link | alert
patty claire

Join Date: 04/05/19

Posts: 34

RE: Central to Paul's academic work is the idea that "there is the crime and there is the silence." How does that statement echo throughout the novel?

If you ignore evil you allow it to continue. But Evie also needs to get on with her own life. Paul is not really connected to the island in the same way as Evie


Posted Jul. 12, 2019 Go to Top | Go to bottom | link | alert
johnw

Join Date: 03/11/12

Posts: 102

RE: Central to Paul's academic work is the idea that "there is the crime and there is the silence." How does that statement echo throughout the novel?

The timing of this subject and its controversy is similar to the current discussions on whether or not to pay reparations to descendants of slaves. The talking points are the same. Similar to katherinep, how many generations must own, feel guilty, make reparations for the sins of past generations? Evie should feel no guilt for loving and owning the island!


Posted Jul. 15, 2019 Go to Top | Go to bottom | link | alert
ilenem

Join Date: 04/17/19

Posts: 32

RE: Central to Paul's academic work is the idea that "there is the crime and there is the silence." How does that statement echo throughout the novel?

I totally agree. Just look at what is happening in our political system today. In the name of self-preservation, the Republican leadership of this country chooses not to say anything about horrific statements against anyone not white by our President. It was shameful in the past, as in this book, and it is shameful today.


Posted Jul. 15, 2019 Go to Top | Go to bottom | link | alert
dianaps

Join Date: 05/29/15

Posts: 460

RE: Central to Paul's academic work is the idea that "there is the crime and there is the silence." How does that statement echo throughout the novel?

Paul's statement added a bit of mystery to the book.


Posted Jul. 15, 2019 Go to Top | Go to bottom | link | alert
matchmaker

Join Date: 07/15/19

Posts: 2

RE: Central to Paul's academic work is the idea that "there is the crime and there is the silence." How does that statement echo throughout the novel?

I found this piece of the book very timely, as there has just been in the news more discussion of American companies who took advantage of the war and Nazi investments.


Reply

Please login to post a response.