Do you think the natural setting of Morgan's Falls helps the Mother to reveal some of her vulnerabilities and fears? Why do you think she makes the choices she does for her daughter?

Discuss Klara and the Mother's trip to Morgan's Falls together. Do you think the natural setting helps the Mother to reveal some of her vulnerabilities and fears? Why do you think she makes the choices she does for her daughter?

Natural settings often allow us to be more in touch with our deeper selves. There is something comforting and more real about magnificent nature spaces, so the Mother was able to more clearly imagine the effects of her choices. She had been assured that Josie’s transition would be more successful than her other daughter, so I think the choices she makes are the ones most emotionally satisfying for her.

Morgan Falls was a really special place for the Mother and Josie. I think she was both reminiscing and looking to the future, a future that very possibly would be without Josie.

I think that the natural setting away from the more closed atmosphere of the house allowed the Mother to be more open with Klara. I was uncomfortable though when Mother asked Plata to take on being Josie. That seemed so unnatural, a contrast to the setting.

Absolutely! Nature has a way of revealing the vulnerabilities of people. The morning after tent camping certainly reveals the "authentic self." The day began with strained conversations between Mother and Josie. It was Sunday, and there wasn't a predetermined cut-off time for Mother to run off to work. Going to a neutral location allows for the heart to reveal itself without having an eye-to-eye conversation.

Unfortunately, due to Josie's increased symptoms of illness, Klara became a "trial replacement" for Josie to go to Morgan Falls. Further developed when Mother requested Klara to imitate Josie. Such a contrast to the free-flowing of water and the growth of nature. As if an artificial plant could replace a living plant or an AF could replace a living child you gave life to.