Elisabeth Jeremko Chapters XVII - XX

In these chapters, the aftermath of the first four explorations leave the characters in states of post-traumatic stress, but also of rebuilding and modifying their feelings. One interesting thing that I found was that Karen has resorted to recording her experiences with Hi 8s and using mediums to work through her feelings. It seems as though when Karen works through her pain in a manner reminescent to Navy, she gains a better understanding of him. She realizes that she loves him, despite his obsession with photojournalism or the house. I was shocked when Navidson told Karen in his letter that he thought the house was God. That might explain its impenetrable qualities, the mazing darkness, and the overwhelming nature of that place. Where I get confused on this possibility is why the house has created so much devastation and even death. As for Johnny Truant, it seems that he is melding more and more with Zampano. It was especially curious when he replaced all his s's for f's after stating Zampano's error.


DISCUSSION QUESTIONS:

1) If the house is God, why has so much pain and devastation taken place there?
2) Does Navy die at the end of Chapter XX?
3)What is the significance of the Jamestown Colony talk, in relation to the house?
4) Is Johnny Truant really going to the house, or somewhere else? (mental institution?)
5) What is the nature of the darkness ready to envelope Karen at the end of Chapter XVIII?