Do you sympathize with Souren's belief that art requires audience reception to be meaningful? Discuss the tension between isolation and connection that characterizes the artists' experiences.

Every day, Souren puts on puppet shows in the Jardin du Luxembourg: "He tells his stories to communicate, to connect with others ... The gasps from the audience, the cries of alarm, the applause--this is how he knows he is alive." Do you sympathize with his belief that art requires audience reception to be meaningful? How do other characters' views of art differ in this novel? Discuss the tension between isolation and connection that characterizes the artists' experiences.

This is a tough one right now - because of virus - maybe even more relevant! I think most artists who say they don't care if their work is seen, heard, read isn't being honest with themselves. Creators in any media want to know what others think...even honest criticism is better than a vacuum. With the world shut down for the Virus, ask an artist whose opening show was cancelled and they are doing it online or a novelist who had his or her first book signing cancelled. The on-line approach doesn't cut it....maybe like a comedy movie with no audience to share the laughter. You picked my favorite character....I think that Souren's belief is right on the money.

Beautifully said Shannon.