From the introduction, I could tell this novel was unique. The description about all the different types of books available, as well as the ideal reading position showed that this book is not your everyday novel. I found the beginning particularly interesting, because at home I go to the bookstore fairly often, and I can relate to the description of each type of book.
As far as the plot goes, there does appear to be two separate plots. Each plot also goes off into side tangents. For example, the former Madame Marne was mentioned on page 20 in the first chapter. Obviously, the reader becomes curious about Madame Marne. Instead of simply telling us about her, Calvino goes off into a tangent about how the reader is now curious about the character. This style of writing is very interesting.
Discussion Questions:
1. Is the alternating story the one being read by the main character?
2. Are the two stories intertwined in any other way?
Friday, February 27, 2009
Thursday, February 26, 2009
Carly Cooper
After reading these 4 chapters I still feel really confused as to what the book is about. So far I have counted three plots, and wonder whether all of them will continue or none of them. I think it is written in an interesting way and therefore keeps my attention. However not knowing the beginning on these stories makes it difficult to pay attention, because I don't know the characters and the story. But things sometimes seem to fall into place as you read on. the first plot with the traveler and the suite case was interesting and i am curious to see how his story develops.
my first question is: what the second part of chapter 2 (about the fight and the boy leaving home) from another text all together?
my next question is: are all these stories somehow interconnected?
my first question is: what the second part of chapter 2 (about the fight and the boy leaving home) from another text all together?
my next question is: are all these stories somehow interconnected?
Elisabeth Jeremko beginning of If on a winter's night a traveler
After reading the beginning of Italo Calvino's If on a winter's night a traveler, I find the work to have an interesting premise. It is funny, because in another class I am currently taking called "Evaluating Literature", we attempt to determine what comprises good fiction. In this class, the professor said that he utterly detests when the author interrupts the narrative to draw attention toward himself. By the author making himself known as a fiction shaper, the reader is thrown back to reality and is unable to stay in the escapist, fantastic vision that fiction supposedly supplies to readers. However, I feel that Italo Calvino's vision is not just to interrupt a fiction plot by inserting a reminder that the author is there. Instead, Calvino breaks down the entire experience of reading itself and because his fragmented, deconstructed vision is so prominent, I think it works. I can't say that I was completely enthralled in the novel. I found myself less directly magnetized to the story, but nonetheless, the first few chapters were really quite a unique experience. I like how Calvino addresses the reader; it is very intimate, reminding me of a Holden Caulfield-like narration. I love the quote where Calvino says, "You're the sort of person who, on principle, no longer expects anyhting of anything...You know that the best you can expect is to avoid the worst. What about books?...you may still grant yourself legitimately this youthful pleasure of expectation in a carefully circumscribed area like the field of books...but the risk of disappointment isn't serious" (Calvino, 4). I also found the author to be humorous, such as his categorization of books that get overlooked when a reader is purchasing a new work. I am still having trouble getting using to Calvino's actual fiction stories, because they are not conventionally how I read novels. Because Calvino makes his presence known even in the plot-driven, fiction segments, I feel that his writing is more closed text (Roland Barthes' privleging of the author's intent), where he is directing the reader on how to interpret and work within the confines. It seems ironic so far -- that the actual fiction seems more closed text than open and yet Calvino is describing how the reader interprets and treats an author's work in front of him. Another quote I really liked was, "...or perhaps already I had been trying to wring from the past of that unknown me a secret to add to my past or to my future..." (Calvino, 39).
QUESTIONS
1) Does Calvino impress his vision/intentions on the reader so heavily that there is little for interpretation? Or does the reader still have control?
2) Does dragging a suitcase have symbolic meaning, beyond the literal?
3)What kind of works did Calvino write before this?
QUESTIONS
1) Does Calvino impress his vision/intentions on the reader so heavily that there is little for interpretation? Or does the reader still have control?
2) Does dragging a suitcase have symbolic meaning, beyond the literal?
3)What kind of works did Calvino write before this?
Victoria Gornopolskaya
This book initiates a narrative that is unique in comparison to any book I've read, even The House of Leaves. We are quickly engaged into a story that not only keeps us involved but includes us within the story. Being part of a story is a new experience that this book creates. I was very engaged into the pages I read, feeling as if someone was speaking to me directly. The descriptive style is very on point. You can feel that train station, as if you are standing there, seeing it all, smelling all the smells it offers. This book is made up of 10 different stories and each story seems to be the author's story as well as my story and your story. It is a strange way to write and I am very excited to continue reading and learn what journey this book has planned for us.
Questions:
Why did the author choose to write this way?
Is there a plot to this story/these stories?
Am I the main character in the book?
Questions:
Why did the author choose to write this way?
Is there a plot to this story/these stories?
Am I the main character in the book?
Robert Stevens
I'll have to say, Calvino is a very descrptive and creative writer. He writes the story about himself, but from your perspective. The first chapter is completely directed at you, generally over whether or not the story is even worth reading. He then proceeds to tell the story from a hindsight-perspective, but in a very informal way. Almost as if he were sitting somewhere with you and discussing his past. According to the back of the book, this is not one novel, but 10? That definately took some talent to put together. There is definately a recurring pattern here for novels that go against the norm, much like House of Leaves did.
Nian Liu
"If on a winter's night a traveler" by italo calvino
Like the critics say, this calvino guys a magician. He brings the reader into the very making of his book, he brings me to his desk where his ideas are flowing and where his pen strikes the page. At the first chapter, Calvino just quickly brainstorms certain topics to write about, and as he is doing this, he makes readers feel as if we have an option on the way we see the character in the book. The author also admits that he has been talking about the station a lot, but as we're stuck reading about this station, he's also stuck, which brings the reader and the character a lot closer. I believe that this calvino guy is creating a work of art, attempting to bring the reader into the book through this strategy. This book like everyone has said is very similar to the House of Leaves, by the way the story is told and the different levels of perspectives in calvino's book.
Questions:
1) Is the main character who's talking about the book the author's writing the author? or just a pretend?
Like the critics say, this calvino guys a magician. He brings the reader into the very making of his book, he brings me to his desk where his ideas are flowing and where his pen strikes the page. At the first chapter, Calvino just quickly brainstorms certain topics to write about, and as he is doing this, he makes readers feel as if we have an option on the way we see the character in the book. The author also admits that he has been talking about the station a lot, but as we're stuck reading about this station, he's also stuck, which brings the reader and the character a lot closer. I believe that this calvino guy is creating a work of art, attempting to bring the reader into the book through this strategy. This book like everyone has said is very similar to the House of Leaves, by the way the story is told and the different levels of perspectives in calvino's book.
Questions:
1) Is the main character who's talking about the book the author's writing the author? or just a pretend?
John Bonhomme
This novel is once again unique in the format of its story telling. The author is disguised as a friend who seems to ho in and out of story telling. At certain parts he completely stops telling the story and begins giving some insight to what will happen in the story. The book is supposedly mixed with a polish authors book due to an error on the publishers part. The author also suggests some emotions which we should be feeling. He also tells us what body actions we should maintain while reading the book. This book requires 100% focus because of the heavy details. I find that if you read the book half hazardly the story will begin to become confusing.
Wednesday, February 25, 2009
Julie Morvitz
This book reminds me of how House of Leaves was written. They are both not ordinary novels; and they have more than one layer of the story. In this book, the writer talks to the reader constantly, which is rare in books. It also goes from one story to another (similar to House of Leaves), because one of the stories being talked about is one that a character is reading in the book. I did think it being written this way was a little confusing, but it is creative and I am willing to read on to see what happens. I am interested in the original story, and why two books got combined into one (or so the main character thinks). It is also strange that one of the books combined together is the book itself, if on a winter’s night a traveler.
Kristy Medina
At first I was into the book, I thought I would like it but then I read the first 3 pages and I got extremely discouraged. Right away I find "Traveler: to be very odd in that it present's itself at first through a personal, informal introduction. It's weird and unique that the author talks to us, the readers, as though your his friend. My question/ comment to that is- what's the point of that. I can also tell that this is going to be the type of book where the author starts off by introducing a topic and then runs off on a tangent about random things. That has a tendency to bother me and not allow me to critically think when reading a book. Another thought while reading were the alternative chapter numbers/ chapter titles- what's the purpose of that. Then I realized how similar the format of House is to Traveler in that the author has input on the actual story. Finally, I realized the scheme- the chapters with numbers (1, 2) are the author's "footnotes" or commentary while the chapters with titles ("Outside the town of Malbork) is the actual story of If on a winter's night a traveler.
Katherine Tesi
There is no doubt in my mind that I’m going to be quite a fan of this book. Just within the first two chapters of Calvino’s If on a winter’s night a traveler, I already want to read the next forty pages. When I learned that the book was simply a compilation of the beginning chapters of ten different stories, I initially thought it would be a bit annoying to read. However, the explanatory pages between the chapters pull the reader in further and almost persuade the reader to continue on. Even though there is never a full story given and no plot fulfilled, I still enjoy the small bit of each story that is there. Because of the short length of each chapter, there isn’t enough time to develop characters either, and even this aspect I find entertaining. I think that style that this book is written in allows a reader to fill in the remaining gaps just the way they would like. I’m unsure whether this trend will continue, but I noticed that the use of the characters of both “I” and “you” are used in all of the sections. This aspect is particularly interesting because both “I” and “you” are not commonly found in most writing of this kind.
Saturday, February 21, 2009
Erica Silvestri
As I read through the intro and the first chapter I realized that I prefer Johnny Truants narratives over Zampanos writings. Johnny's perspective is real and very raw. He is definitely not reserved, which I can relate to. Since I have not been much for academic writing that is probably why I am just reading Zampanos sections and not very much enjoying them so far. I found it extremely funny when J.T. added the one word in the second chapter so he could interject on the story, it sounds like something I would do. When Navidson discovers the new hallway into his kids room, I do not understand why his foirst notion was not to just move out of the house. Instead he decides this is a good time to start measuring the house. I do not understand why measuring tape could possibly make sense of this situation. The funny thing is logic would tell you that a house should smaller on the inside then on the outside, but the house defies logic. Which further thrusts Navidson in confusion, making him want to solve the house as if it were a math problem. My favorite part was at the end of the forth chapter when Karen screams. Since the books do not hit the wall as they oringinally had, the fact that the house grew became really evident to her.
Class Summary February 19, 2009
The Movie Memento
Carly Cooper
Today in class we watched a movie called memento, we have not yet finished the movie but we have moved very far in the plot line. The movie is the story of a man with anterograde amnesia, meaning he is unable to form new memories however remembers many things from before a certain incident took place. This man is trying to find and kill the man who raped and murdered his wife, the way he does this without being able to remember is by tattooing his body and leaving himself notes, he has learned his own handwriting and only trusts himself. The movie is created with two parts, one is what is happening and one is leading up to what is happening and explains the reasoning and the way things fit together. As the plot progresses we can attach more and more pieces of the story.
This man, named Lenard, has the help of a woman, Natalie, who seemingly complicates his plan to kill this man and get out of town. He helps her with the problems left to her by her drug dealing boyfriend while she helps him find out more information to connect the pieces of the puzzle and try to find the man who killed his wife. When he does finally find this man it is a man who is pretending to be a friend to Lenard while really trying to convince him to leave town without killing the man who killed his wife because, of course, that man would be him.
We stopped the movie at the point where Lenard uncovers a tattoo which says never answer the phone while he is speaking on the phone, it seems that since he is unable to remember people he often gives information over the phone because he doesn’t really know who is on the other end of the line. Another important aspect of the movie is that while it is often moving backwards to explain certain things that are happening, there are also many forward flashes of things that seem to be coming and maybe they are flash backs of things that have already happened. One of these is a reoccurring view of what seems to be part of Lenard’s memory of the night his wife was raped and murdered.
While I have left out some details, above is a plot summary of the movie up to the point we have stopped. This movie is made in a very interesting way and I can see how, not its contents, but its form is related to House of Leaves. As in the book the movie makes the audience feel the same way the character feels, by confusing the audience with unknown information it makes the audience feel as if they too have this condition. I think that looking at this movie helps to explain why the book was written the way it was and how it really does captivate and keep the reader interested.
Carly Cooper
Today in class we watched a movie called memento, we have not yet finished the movie but we have moved very far in the plot line. The movie is the story of a man with anterograde amnesia, meaning he is unable to form new memories however remembers many things from before a certain incident took place. This man is trying to find and kill the man who raped and murdered his wife, the way he does this without being able to remember is by tattooing his body and leaving himself notes, he has learned his own handwriting and only trusts himself. The movie is created with two parts, one is what is happening and one is leading up to what is happening and explains the reasoning and the way things fit together. As the plot progresses we can attach more and more pieces of the story.
This man, named Lenard, has the help of a woman, Natalie, who seemingly complicates his plan to kill this man and get out of town. He helps her with the problems left to her by her drug dealing boyfriend while she helps him find out more information to connect the pieces of the puzzle and try to find the man who killed his wife. When he does finally find this man it is a man who is pretending to be a friend to Lenard while really trying to convince him to leave town without killing the man who killed his wife because, of course, that man would be him.
We stopped the movie at the point where Lenard uncovers a tattoo which says never answer the phone while he is speaking on the phone, it seems that since he is unable to remember people he often gives information over the phone because he doesn’t really know who is on the other end of the line. Another important aspect of the movie is that while it is often moving backwards to explain certain things that are happening, there are also many forward flashes of things that seem to be coming and maybe they are flash backs of things that have already happened. One of these is a reoccurring view of what seems to be part of Lenard’s memory of the night his wife was raped and murdered.
While I have left out some details, above is a plot summary of the movie up to the point we have stopped. This movie is made in a very interesting way and I can see how, not its contents, but its form is related to House of Leaves. As in the book the movie makes the audience feel the same way the character feels, by confusing the audience with unknown information it makes the audience feel as if they too have this condition. I think that looking at this movie helps to explain why the book was written the way it was and how it really does captivate and keep the reader interested.
Wednesday, February 18, 2009
Janie Cherestal
In class today, we discussed various topics concerning the ending of House of Leaves. We started with Zampano’s first letter in the appendix, where he states that “art speaks for me.” From there we discussed Walter Benjamin, the author of “The Work in an Age of Technological Reproducability.” In this essay, he described how art used to be deemed as a sacred form of expression that was not necessarily meant to serve the masses, but rather, seemed to be above them. However, with the invention of the printing press and the mass production of literature, art has lost much of its meaning and has become a commercialized product.
We then looked at the last page of the novel that contained a poem what seemed to be a mysterious tree. We learned how that poem is based on a mythical inverted tree that has its roots extended into the heavens. Three gods pass through this tree and once they have reached the earth, one has lost his eye, another his arm, and the last his hearing. These disfigurements mirror those that Navidson suffered following his rescue from the house at the end of the novel.
Another aspect of the novel that reflects a story in Greek mythology is Johnny’s unfailing and futile desire to rescue his mother from the hell of her mental illness. This is similar to the story of Orfeus and Eurydice, where Orfeus attempts to save Eurydice from Hell by making a deal with Hades that he can leave with Eurydice as long as he promises to not look back as he is leaving. Unfortunately, Orfeus cannot resist turning back, and Eurydice is pulled back into hell.
We also delved into possible explanations for the mystery behind the house. One was that perhaps it is a time warp, for the scientific research done on the house showed that the sediments in the walls dated back to before the earth was in existence. Another theory was that it was a physical manifestation of the whomever is inhabiting the labyrinth’s mental state. Finally, the house could just be Zampano, or Danielewski’s, way of criticizing academia, mental institutions, photojournalism, and over-analysis, in general. I suppose only person who will ever know for sure is Danielewski.
We then looked at the last page of the novel that contained a poem what seemed to be a mysterious tree. We learned how that poem is based on a mythical inverted tree that has its roots extended into the heavens. Three gods pass through this tree and once they have reached the earth, one has lost his eye, another his arm, and the last his hearing. These disfigurements mirror those that Navidson suffered following his rescue from the house at the end of the novel.
Another aspect of the novel that reflects a story in Greek mythology is Johnny’s unfailing and futile desire to rescue his mother from the hell of her mental illness. This is similar to the story of Orfeus and Eurydice, where Orfeus attempts to save Eurydice from Hell by making a deal with Hades that he can leave with Eurydice as long as he promises to not look back as he is leaving. Unfortunately, Orfeus cannot resist turning back, and Eurydice is pulled back into hell.
We also delved into possible explanations for the mystery behind the house. One was that perhaps it is a time warp, for the scientific research done on the house showed that the sediments in the walls dated back to before the earth was in existence. Another theory was that it was a physical manifestation of the whomever is inhabiting the labyrinth’s mental state. Finally, the house could just be Zampano, or Danielewski’s, way of criticizing academia, mental institutions, photojournalism, and over-analysis, in general. I suppose only person who will ever know for sure is Danielewski.
Alyson Bernero
I was very disappointed when I first realized that the entire book was actually made up. After thinking about it however, I couldn't help but think that the story was actually amazing and extremely creative. I didn't really like the way the stories ended. The story with Navidson ended so terribly even after everything the family had gone through. I was very confused with what was going on with Johnny, but I don't think that he was ever really writing the story. From what I understand I don't think Johnny ever really lived at all. I think the story was written by his mother who had basically gone insane after the death of her son. If thats the case than I wish we would have gotten more information on what was going on with that so I could understand more. Overall, the book was captivating and very different from anything I had ever read before. The entire story kept me engaged and constantly thinking about what was happening.
Tuesday, February 17, 2009
HOL SUM UP Tung
After finishing the book my impression on the ending was a little disappointing. The naval and how it was written compressed all the mystery and suspense so well that I thought that the end it was just kind of just played out like it was nothing. Maybe that what he wanted along in the beginning, since he kind of started the book with “this isn’t for you”. Maybe like the Beatles song that the book was so sort of sick inside joke that he and a handful of people know leaving the rest of us high and dry. So many questions left unanswered. Part of me hates these kinds of books/movies that leave us with more questions in the end; so much so that if I know that it would end like this that I wouldn’t have read it in the first places kind of. But the book was very well written in that it made me feel involved in the story line. So in the end I’m guessing that his mother had to do something with the development of the book? I don’t know too deep for me to go farther in too after eating lunch. But the book is a definite good read but really hard I think to analyze because it could good so many ways.
Nian Liu
"House of Leaves" Chapters XXI - XXIII
The last three chapters left me with so many questions and I feel unsatisfied with the ending of the story as well as for Johnny Traunt. In the end we never know what happens to Johnny Traunt, or if he's telling the truth about killing that Gdansk Man since a lot of the things he says turn into lies. I still want to know how Karen magically closed her eyes and teleported Navidson and her out of the house that countless souls have tried to escape but couldn't. Then I question about Navidson's chance of survival, he was trapped in that house for over 6 months without food or water there was no way he survived. And if he did survive, then where the hell is Tom? Who was the mother and the baby Johnny Traunt was talking about? If Johnny Traunt is the baby who died, does that mean the whole story of Johnny Traunt's life was made up by the mother who in guilt for not being able to save her son created a life for Johnny? Too many questions and so little answers if what I was left with by the time I finished this book. Overall, this book was something new and it gave me a unique experience that I wouldn't have gotten from any other book but this one.
The last three chapters left me with so many questions and I feel unsatisfied with the ending of the story as well as for Johnny Traunt. In the end we never know what happens to Johnny Traunt, or if he's telling the truth about killing that Gdansk Man since a lot of the things he says turn into lies. I still want to know how Karen magically closed her eyes and teleported Navidson and her out of the house that countless souls have tried to escape but couldn't. Then I question about Navidson's chance of survival, he was trapped in that house for over 6 months without food or water there was no way he survived. And if he did survive, then where the hell is Tom? Who was the mother and the baby Johnny Traunt was talking about? If Johnny Traunt is the baby who died, does that mean the whole story of Johnny Traunt's life was made up by the mother who in guilt for not being able to save her son created a life for Johnny? Too many questions and so little answers if what I was left with by the time I finished this book. Overall, this book was something new and it gave me a unique experience that I wouldn't have gotten from any other book but this one.
Emily Skahill
What? I am so lost, and so confused! the Navidson Record was stupid. It was intriguing at parts but completely stupid at the end. I liked what Navidson ended the movie with, but what was the significance of the pink ribbon in her hair? Victory? The story about Truant as a baby, I'm assuming, was sad but confusing. Who wrote the story...his mother? How was the band obsessed with the book and Truant yet standing in front of Truant? Aside from all my confusion, i really did like the book, although i didn't agree with the ending and i guess a few of the chapters, i still believe this book is one of a kind and if i wasn't so frustrated with it right now, i would probably read it again to try and understand it better. This book should be taught in school absolutely.
Kristin Todd
I thought that these chapters were fascinating to read. What ended up happening to Will and Karen is definitely not what I expected. I thought that Will would never come out of the house and I did not expect them to get married. I thought it was weird how when Karen found Will, when she held him, they ended up outside. I guess it was because the labyrinth affects everyone differently. Honestly, I liked this book. At first, I did not understand it, so it was difficult for me to follow and enjoy. But, in the middle, everything became clearer and I started to follow the plot. It turned out that I liked it. I’m not sure that this would be such a good book to teach in class because it is so complex and hard to follow. Also, it was frustrating having to read a book that I didn’t like in the beginning. It’s the kind of book that you have to like immediately if you’re reading it for fun.
Michael Lampasona
I liked how the book ended on a good note, but still with some misery. Johnny Truant's story comes to an abrupt end, and the reader is left wondering whether it is a happy ending. Navidson and Karen finally get married, and even though they both have health issues, it seems like they are better off than in any other part of the story. I did not actually realize that Johnny's mother could be the author, however after reading the blog posts this does make sense, since Johnny's last passage in the novel involves the death of a newborn.
Overall, I liked the book. I did not like it at the beginning because I found some parts confusing. It was bothering me that I didn't know exactly how to interpret some of the footnotes and the ridiculously long lists that would be part of some chapters. Now I realize that these items were for effect, and do support the idea that Johnny's insane mother wrote the story. Anyway, I liked the book as it came to a close and I went from "having" to read the earlier chapters to "wanting" to read the later chapters. I would recommend this book to be taught in class because it was an interesting read and many parts of it can be analyzed and discussed during class in many different ways.
Discussion Questions:
1. Did Johnny's mother write the book?
2. Did going back to the house cause Karen's current condition?
3. What exactly is the house?
Overall, I liked the book. I did not like it at the beginning because I found some parts confusing. It was bothering me that I didn't know exactly how to interpret some of the footnotes and the ridiculously long lists that would be part of some chapters. Now I realize that these items were for effect, and do support the idea that Johnny's insane mother wrote the story. Anyway, I liked the book as it came to a close and I went from "having" to read the earlier chapters to "wanting" to read the later chapters. I would recommend this book to be taught in class because it was an interesting read and many parts of it can be analyzed and discussed during class in many different ways.
Discussion Questions:
1. Did Johnny's mother write the book?
2. Did going back to the house cause Karen's current condition?
3. What exactly is the house?
Robert Stevens
Well, I can say one thing, this book is definately different. I think after weighing all the pros and cons this book would make a good class book. The plot can be interpreted many different ways depending on the individual reader, allowing them to draw their own conclusions...it's not just laid out for you in any concise format.
At this point I can honestly say that Truant has hit rock botton. He's reduced himself to a drifter that had definately drifting between the real world and a perceived reality. I know some people have assumed that his mother is the actual author, but I just didn't see it. Getting back to the Navidson story, Karen finally realized that she loved Will desperately and decides to face her fears about the Labrynth. Upon entering, she finds Will and brings him out (by virtue of the labrynth just "dissolving" anyway). Afterward they finally get married and try to move on, despite the fact that Will has been physcially handicapped by the labrynth.
1. How did Karen manage to find Will so fast?
2. I know he beat Gdansk man to death, but did Johnny ever kill Kyrie?
3. What was the deal with Will's feet?
4. Where did the story about the baby fit in?
At this point I can honestly say that Truant has hit rock botton. He's reduced himself to a drifter that had definately drifting between the real world and a perceived reality. I know some people have assumed that his mother is the actual author, but I just didn't see it. Getting back to the Navidson story, Karen finally realized that she loved Will desperately and decides to face her fears about the Labrynth. Upon entering, she finds Will and brings him out (by virtue of the labrynth just "dissolving" anyway). Afterward they finally get married and try to move on, despite the fact that Will has been physcially handicapped by the labrynth.
1. How did Karen manage to find Will so fast?
2. I know he beat Gdansk man to death, but did Johnny ever kill Kyrie?
3. What was the deal with Will's feet?
4. Where did the story about the baby fit in?
Monday, February 16, 2009
Kristy Medina
House was probably one of the weirdest love stories I've ever read. It was cute in an odd way; so I won't lie, when Karen saved Navidson, it was very good way to end the book. And the house disappearing, I guess I would say it's symbolic but in a way I can't completely explain. The fact that the house disappeared and they ended up in the middle of the woods wasn't surprising however it tied the title and the book together (although the novel started to do that, this finale really tied up loose ends well.) However I'm still confused in calling the labyrinth a part of hell because hell is supposed to teach and repremend people of their wrong doings but still they didn't die...at least not literally, maybe symbolically. It's ironic and comical how Chad wants to become an artitect.
Anyways, it's such a strange "happy" ending as the novel calls it. Good book!
Anyways, it's such a strange "happy" ending as the novel calls it. Good book!
Katherine Tesi
Danielewski proved to be quite an interesting author throughout House of Leaves. His style of writing along with the story line itself was very different that the majority of books I have personally ever read. I didn’t particularly care for the book, although I appreciated how unique it was in so many aspects. I wasn’t a fan of the sci-fi touches to the book or its representation as a horror book because I didn’t really think it was. I did find the novel funny it its satire of academics. Overall, I do think that the book should be taught simply for the fact that it is so different. Not only are the story line, including all three of the stories, but also the layout of the text, very distinctive compared to the average novels taught within schools and universities. It’s beneficial for students to see a large range of examples in every aspect of learning, especially reading. Being able to analyze and comprehend a novel such as this one allows a reader to expand their repertoire in terms of literary understanding.
1. Does Will Navidson’s skin condition have a deeper meaning?
2. What is the reason that the house finally releases the Navidson’s from its grip?
1. Does Will Navidson’s skin condition have a deeper meaning?
2. What is the reason that the house finally releases the Navidson’s from its grip?
Elisabeth Jeremko End of House of Leaves
I highly enjoyed House of Leaves. It had a plot that moved like a classical novel, but then the use of citation, typography, and codes created more challenges for the reader. I liked being called to participate by the author through deciphering, following footnotes, and following different patterns of words. Though I found the process of getting through the novel exciting, I was a bit deflated by the ending of the novel. It seemed to end quite suddenly. Regarding the Navidson aspect of the novel, I like how Will Navidson comes out of the experience physically deformed. I feel that the experience was so life-changing that the physical remnants solidify just how impacting the experience was for both individuals.
I was reading one of the prior blogs and found some of the insights about Pelafina writing the book from the mental institution really interesting. I hadn't put the pieces together in such a way...I suppose I was more focused on the actual plot information, moreso than the source of narration. I like how the book ends ambiguously...it would be insightful to discuss this ambiguity in a class setting. I would highly recommend the book for a class. The novel is rich with references to literature, mythology, and criticism. The story is moving and suspenseful, which makes it more enjoyable for the student. Also, there are so many possibilities of meanings within the relationships of characters, occurances, and narration that would make for lively discourse.
DISCUSSION QUESTIONS
1) Does Johnny Truant actually come in contact with Gdansk Man and his girlfriend again? (Does he kill them?...this part was really confusing for me)
2)What does the skin condition on Will Navidson represent? It goes away after the experience...
3)Does Johnny ever make it to the house?
I was reading one of the prior blogs and found some of the insights about Pelafina writing the book from the mental institution really interesting. I hadn't put the pieces together in such a way...I suppose I was more focused on the actual plot information, moreso than the source of narration. I like how the book ends ambiguously...it would be insightful to discuss this ambiguity in a class setting. I would highly recommend the book for a class. The novel is rich with references to literature, mythology, and criticism. The story is moving and suspenseful, which makes it more enjoyable for the student. Also, there are so many possibilities of meanings within the relationships of characters, occurances, and narration that would make for lively discourse.
DISCUSSION QUESTIONS
1) Does Johnny Truant actually come in contact with Gdansk Man and his girlfriend again? (Does he kill them?...this part was really confusing for me)
2)What does the skin condition on Will Navidson represent? It goes away after the experience...
3)Does Johnny ever make it to the house?
Janie Cherestal
I generally liked House of Leaves, but I felt unsatisified with its ending. Navidson’s storyline was so action-packed and suspenseful that I expected an ending that was just as exciting; however, Karen’s rescue was rather abrupt. I felt that Johnny concluding narrative was confusing, for he rambled a few times and often took back the events that he said took place. It also left open many questions.
- Who was the dying baby described towards the end of the novel?
- What ever happened to Johnny?
- How does Johnny find House of Leaves published with his footnotes while he is still writing his footnotes? Was that story made up, as well?
- Why does the house choose to release Karen and Navidson at the end of the novel?
- Who was the dying baby described towards the end of the novel?
- What ever happened to Johnny?
- How does Johnny find House of Leaves published with his footnotes while he is still writing his footnotes? Was that story made up, as well?
- Why does the house choose to release Karen and Navidson at the end of the novel?
Julie Morvitz
I found Johnny’s entries at the end of the book very confusing. I couldn’t tell which stories were real and which ones were made up, and he seemed all over the place. I thought the story about the mother and the child was very strange. I wonder what the significance of the story was and if a doctor ha actually told him that story, although I doubt it. I really liked the end of the book, even though it was very sudden. It went from readers wondering if Navidson would live, to him being outside with Karen. I liked that there was a happy ending though, even though we don’t know why they ended up outside the house.
I enjoyed the book overall. Some parts were a little dry or confusing, but I did like the storyline and how this book was different than any other book I have ever read. It seemed at parts that there was nothing else to say, but then something exciting happened and the story continued. It mostly kept my interest though. I think the novel is a little overrated. It ‘s a good book, but I don’t see how someone’s life could be changed because of it. I could see how someone could become obsessed with it because it is a very engaging story, but personally I don’t think it’s quite as amazing as some people say. I do think House of Leaves should be taught because it isn’t the standard academic book. It is very different but it still has many topics that can be discussed. It also leaves room for interpretation, because not everything is laid out for the reader.
Questions:
1. Why did Karen and Navidson end up outside the house?
2. Why did Johnny’s mother go crazy?
3. How does Karen hear Navidson when he is in the labyrinth?
Sunday, February 15, 2009
John Bonhomme Jr.
This book ended very abruptly. It had me on the edge of my seat or bed, until the end. Than I read the letters from Johnny's mom Pelafina. Another post in the blog has helped me to understand that Pelafina is the true author to the whole story. This whole book was created by Pelafina in the mental institution. Johnny Truant never lived passed a few days. He was born with holes in his brain. A miracle did happen in the hospital but than Pelafina went crazy after her baby died. She went so crazy that she wrote this book and letters to nobody. This was all made up like one of Johnny's stories. That's why Will could read his own book, and that's why Johnny would be so like bipolar. The bipolarness comes from Pelafina going in and out of her mood swings. The book ended so abruptly because the new director began to actually cure Pelafina. If Pelafina is cured than the book cant continue.
On another note this book was very unique. Throughout my lifetime I've never experienced a book quiet like this one. Change is good, so I would definitely recommend this book for further classes. The book only scared me once. One night I was reading it, and it was pitch black in my room except for a book light. I thought, actually I know I saw my closet open. It like kept opening and I like freaked out and turned on all the lights. Besides that the book was not scary, it was much more mind stimulating.
On another note this book was very unique. Throughout my lifetime I've never experienced a book quiet like this one. Change is good, so I would definitely recommend this book for further classes. The book only scared me once. One night I was reading it, and it was pitch black in my room except for a book light. I thought, actually I know I saw my closet open. It like kept opening and I like freaked out and turned on all the lights. Besides that the book was not scary, it was much more mind stimulating.
Carly Cooper
I find this ending to be quite disappointing. I felt like Johnny’s story had no ending and that Navidson’s story ending so unhappily and without any excitement. I was so angry with Johnny for being unable to turn his life around and have a happy ending. I felt like the letters from his mother were useless and almost confusing. Maybe some insight to what’s wrong with him was given, assuming his mother’s mental and psychological illness was genetic and he now has this problem that will eventually lead to his slow painful death. Overall I really enjoyed the book but I was disappointed with the ending and how it was inconclusive and not so happy. The ending was a little too abrupt for me and I was expecting something a little bit more exciting. I like the book because it was captivating and usually I don’t enjoy such fictional stories but I was intrigued and always wanted to keep reading.
I think it is an interesting book to teach in class. I find that there are a lot of different types of literature used; it teaches that not all novels have to be exactly the same. The way this was written as well as the format of the writing was interesting and give s anew perspective to writing as well as reading.
I think it is an interesting book to teach in class. I find that there are a lot of different types of literature used; it teaches that not all novels have to be exactly the same. The way this was written as well as the format of the writing was interesting and give s anew perspective to writing as well as reading.
Natalya Gornopolskaya
Questions:
1. Are there more hidden messages throughout the book, other than within the Whalestoe letters?
2. Is the story of the baby significant towards Johnny and Pelafina?
3. Why do Pelafina and Johnny slightly differ in the memories they recount of one another
Victoria Gornopolskaya
"This great blue world of ours seems a house of leaves moments before the wind."
To be honest when I first began reading this book I was skeptical and unsure of whether I liked it or not. After finishing the book along with the appendices, I absolutely loved it. The ending nearly brought tears to my eyes. I was so sure Navidson was a dead man, but there he was, safe in Karen's arms. Karen found him somehow, and saved him; her love saved him. The house dissolved around the two of them as she held him. Navy was in terrible shape at the end but he survived and he and Karen grew old together with the children in a house full of photos rather than darkness. After reading Pelafina's letters I understood the book. I realized she is perhaps one of the most important people throughout the entire novel. I believe Pelafina may have been a schizo who created all of the characters and Johnny Truant never existed. None of these characters ever existed except for Pelafina. Pelafina may have been the mother in the story about the baby with holes in its brain, the baby being Johnny. After sitting there for days and watching her child die, she must have gone crazy as anyone would and had been forced to stay at the Whalestoe Institute. The moment where she supposedly tried to choke Johnny or wipe tears from his face resembles the moment where the mother had to give up her child and pull the chord. In her encoded letter she tells of how the people there rape her and she is full of shattered hope. She is writing to her only son, the only person she has in the world, though he is dead. I also came to think that this book may be written by Pelafina. Her font is the same font that the editors use. She constantly tells Johnny to follow his mind and believe in it. This is very relevant to the hallway that somewhat works the way the human mind works. Mental state is another large theme in this book, providing more implications that Pelafina wrote it. I think this is very clever and a great way to close the story and make sense of it. I also loved the quotes and poems at the end of the book. One of my favorites is this one:
I took my morning walk, I took my evening walk, I ate something, I thought about something, I wrote something, I napped and dreamt something too, and with all that something, I still have nothing because so much of sum' things had always been and always will be you.
I miss you.
Questions:
Did Pelafina write the entire novel and create all these characters?
Do the character's names say something significant about each of them?
My dear Zampano, who did you lose?
To be honest when I first began reading this book I was skeptical and unsure of whether I liked it or not. After finishing the book along with the appendices, I absolutely loved it. The ending nearly brought tears to my eyes. I was so sure Navidson was a dead man, but there he was, safe in Karen's arms. Karen found him somehow, and saved him; her love saved him. The house dissolved around the two of them as she held him. Navy was in terrible shape at the end but he survived and he and Karen grew old together with the children in a house full of photos rather than darkness. After reading Pelafina's letters I understood the book. I realized she is perhaps one of the most important people throughout the entire novel. I believe Pelafina may have been a schizo who created all of the characters and Johnny Truant never existed. None of these characters ever existed except for Pelafina. Pelafina may have been the mother in the story about the baby with holes in its brain, the baby being Johnny. After sitting there for days and watching her child die, she must have gone crazy as anyone would and had been forced to stay at the Whalestoe Institute. The moment where she supposedly tried to choke Johnny or wipe tears from his face resembles the moment where the mother had to give up her child and pull the chord. In her encoded letter she tells of how the people there rape her and she is full of shattered hope. She is writing to her only son, the only person she has in the world, though he is dead. I also came to think that this book may be written by Pelafina. Her font is the same font that the editors use. She constantly tells Johnny to follow his mind and believe in it. This is very relevant to the hallway that somewhat works the way the human mind works. Mental state is another large theme in this book, providing more implications that Pelafina wrote it. I think this is very clever and a great way to close the story and make sense of it. I also loved the quotes and poems at the end of the book. One of my favorites is this one:
I took my morning walk, I took my evening walk, I ate something, I thought about something, I wrote something, I napped and dreamt something too, and with all that something, I still have nothing because so much of sum' things had always been and always will be you.
I miss you.
Questions:
Did Pelafina write the entire novel and create all these characters?
Do the character's names say something significant about each of them?
My dear Zampano, who did you lose?
House of Leaves Ch XVII-XX
These chapters come to a close many things are left unanswered. So far I can see that Karen is very close to Navidson, she has tried time and time to leave him but cant and so she runs away from everything. Her relationship with the children seems to be better compared to earlier chapters. As for Navidson I think this house will always remain within him as an obsession whether it may have killed him or not. For Johnny Truant his man is locked within his own world of demons pushing him farther from what is reality. Perhaps we don’t know that reality is true, maybe we fear so much to find out what reality is; that we make up this world that we live in, in order to hide from the truth.
The tapes, I really want to know what is on them.
Karen starts to show signs of becoming a little better, but is this a kind of front? Is he also the next victim?
Big question is Navidson still alive?
In the end “Light” is used to describe the last thing Navidson sees, Light itself can have many meanings.
Missing pages?
The tapes, I really want to know what is on them.
Karen starts to show signs of becoming a little better, but is this a kind of front? Is he also the next victim?
Big question is Navidson still alive?
In the end “Light” is used to describe the last thing Navidson sees, Light itself can have many meanings.
Missing pages?
House of Leaves Ch XIII-XVI,
In these chapters a lot of things start important things start to show itself, the house and the people in who are affected by them beginning to become more tenses. The two children Chad and Daisy are seem drawing pictures of the house without doors or window, pushing Teppet Brookes is Chad's teacher to investigate. As she shows up she finds out what is happening. Navidson and Karen relationship has been the greatest but maybe Karen although she seems to be the other that giving Navidson the hard time about his Art, is the one that putting up with him. Kind of sad to see that near the end, as the story move on to a close there is sure to be more mystery.
The two children drawing are disturbing; do you think children have a kind of six senses?
Will Navidson ever realize what his wife has gone through for him?
Tom dies but how? In detail.
Darkness is one of the main themes in this book , what does it have to do with it exactly?
Does Johnny T have any kind of mental issues that we can pick up from this book?
The two children drawing are disturbing; do you think children have a kind of six senses?
Will Navidson ever realize what his wife has gone through for him?
Tom dies but how? In detail.
Darkness is one of the main themes in this book , what does it have to do with it exactly?
Does Johnny T have any kind of mental issues that we can pick up from this book?
Friday, February 13, 2009
Katherine Tesi
These chapters seem to serve as the climax of both the Navidson Record and Johnny’s story within his narration. Johnny Truant begins having dreams which in this case he can remember upon waking up. In one dream in particular he is deformed and eventually killed by Thumper with an axe. Johnny’s lifestyle in general has become the direct opposite of what it once was. He went from constantly going to parties and meeting a different girl nightly to now not leaving his house and even turning down Kyrie when she offers him a second ride in her car. Kyrie’s fiancé attacks Lude, putting him the hospital and in terrible shape. Johnny only finds out about Lude’s condition because he plans on leaving California to go to Virginia and wants to say good-bye to Lude. However in order to gain a few extra dollars for his trip, Johnny decides to sell his mother’s locket.
Within the story of the Navidson Record, Will Navidson finally decides to return to the house for a final exploration. What she believes is prior to Navidson’s return; Karen revisits the house only to find that the hallways have all disappeared. She also discovers some of Navidson’s belongings in the children’s old room. She is told by her real estate that the house always sells and its owners never stay in the house for more than a few years. Navidson re-enters the labyrinth, going a different direction than he had before. He finds multiple flights of stairs which all seem to be oddly directed, either on their side or having a stair start within the ceiling. Navidson discovers a window which shortly after vanishes back into the black ash of the walls. He eventually discovers that he feels as though he is falling or floating, Navidson can’t tell anymore. Deciding that he is in fact falling, Navidson goes through a range of emotion before seeing a bright light ahead of him.
1. What is Johnny’s plan if and when he gets to Virginia?
2. Are Karen and Navidson simultaneously in the house, or did Karen arrive before or after him?
3. Why are some of Navidson’s belongings found in the children’s room? Is there another connection between the labyrinth and the living area of the house?
Within the story of the Navidson Record, Will Navidson finally decides to return to the house for a final exploration. What she believes is prior to Navidson’s return; Karen revisits the house only to find that the hallways have all disappeared. She also discovers some of Navidson’s belongings in the children’s old room. She is told by her real estate that the house always sells and its owners never stay in the house for more than a few years. Navidson re-enters the labyrinth, going a different direction than he had before. He finds multiple flights of stairs which all seem to be oddly directed, either on their side or having a stair start within the ceiling. Navidson discovers a window which shortly after vanishes back into the black ash of the walls. He eventually discovers that he feels as though he is falling or floating, Navidson can’t tell anymore. Deciding that he is in fact falling, Navidson goes through a range of emotion before seeing a bright light ahead of him.
1. What is Johnny’s plan if and when he gets to Virginia?
2. Are Karen and Navidson simultaneously in the house, or did Karen arrive before or after him?
3. Why are some of Navidson’s belongings found in the children’s room? Is there another connection between the labyrinth and the living area of the house?
Thursday, February 12, 2009
Michael Lampasona
These chapters focus a bit on Karen, and how despite her efforts to leave Navidson, she is attached to him. Karen decides to leave New York, leaving Chad and Daisy with their grandparent. Throughout all this, Karen is also becoming more of a film maker, possibly Navidson's indirect influence on her. Karen continues to call Chad and Daisy when she is in Virginia, which shows a more compassionate attitude towards her children (as opposed to the earlier chapters in the house).
Navidon's experience with Delial was also explained, and how that affected him. He continues his obsession with the house, and another exploration is documented. It is unclear whether Navidson has survived or not, but I would assume that he has.
Johnny Truant continues his downward spiral, and his obsession with the novel continues to close him out from outside life. We also find out more detail about his past.
Here are my discussion questions:
1. What purpose does the upside down text serve?
2. Was Karen drawn to the house in the beginning of the novel, but hiding it?
3. Is the page written in Braille for Zampano?
Navidon's experience with Delial was also explained, and how that affected him. He continues his obsession with the house, and another exploration is documented. It is unclear whether Navidson has survived or not, but I would assume that he has.
Johnny Truant continues his downward spiral, and his obsession with the novel continues to close him out from outside life. We also find out more detail about his past.
Here are my discussion questions:
1. What purpose does the upside down text serve?
2. Was Karen drawn to the house in the beginning of the novel, but hiding it?
3. Is the page written in Braille for Zampano?
Eun-Hee Vabulas
In chapters XVII-XX, several theories are put forth in an attempt to explain why Navidson decided to return to Ash Tree Lane and venture into the house again. Karen follows Navidson back to Virginia, leaving Chad and Daisy in New York. She initially stays at a Days Inn, but moves back into the house shortly after arriving in Virginia. Reston comes by the house from time to time in order to help Karen search for Navidson, but they are unsuccessful in finding anything. It is not until some time has passed that Karen claims to hear Navidson's voice and finds his things strewn across the floor in Chad and Daisy's room. The chapters conclude with Navidson wandering inside the house on Exploration #5. I found these chapters a bit harder to follow than the previous ones. It seems that all the extra empty space has disappeared when Karen reenters the house, but Navidson is still supposed to be in the labyrinth. How will he escape from it?
Nian Liu
House of Leaves: Chapters XVII-XX
The story only gets more attention and more interesting from this point. Navidson returns to the house for what people think is because of the past events that has happened in Navidson's life for instance his regret from not being able to save that dying young girl. Deep into his own mental debates and his self pity, Will Navidson reenters house the second time testing his fate once again trying to get "the better picture". What I really enjoyed reading was Navidson's goodbye letter to Karen and how his last words were how he missed Karen and how he loved her and everyone. It really made me see how Navidson had to go back, and it also made me angry at the house. The house literally tore Will and Karen apart from each other, even though all these scholars say that the reason for the endless darkness and the strange appearances maybe started because of the complexity of the human mind, I still think the house is wrong and should be destroyed. Now we read about how Karen starts to show signs of mental unstability as her smiles begin to change from sweet to sour, and even though Navidson's voice was never heard by Reston at the house, Karen often hears Navidson and his reassuring voice that he's still alive. Back to the story, Navidson explores the hallway and finds out even more weird things about the hallway and how its behavior has changed radically.
Questions
1) What did the video tape show!! on page 417? The text just stopped out of nowhere.
2) Does Karen get swallowed up by the darkness also? What happens to her?
3) Is Navidson still alive?
4) By Navidson seeing a light in the end of the chapter, does this mean he's reached an end to the fall?
The story only gets more attention and more interesting from this point. Navidson returns to the house for what people think is because of the past events that has happened in Navidson's life for instance his regret from not being able to save that dying young girl. Deep into his own mental debates and his self pity, Will Navidson reenters house the second time testing his fate once again trying to get "the better picture". What I really enjoyed reading was Navidson's goodbye letter to Karen and how his last words were how he missed Karen and how he loved her and everyone. It really made me see how Navidson had to go back, and it also made me angry at the house. The house literally tore Will and Karen apart from each other, even though all these scholars say that the reason for the endless darkness and the strange appearances maybe started because of the complexity of the human mind, I still think the house is wrong and should be destroyed. Now we read about how Karen starts to show signs of mental unstability as her smiles begin to change from sweet to sour, and even though Navidson's voice was never heard by Reston at the house, Karen often hears Navidson and his reassuring voice that he's still alive. Back to the story, Navidson explores the hallway and finds out even more weird things about the hallway and how its behavior has changed radically.
Questions
1) What did the video tape show!! on page 417? The text just stopped out of nowhere.
2) Does Karen get swallowed up by the darkness also? What happens to her?
3) Is Navidson still alive?
4) By Navidson seeing a light in the end of the chapter, does this mean he's reached an end to the fall?
Kristy Medina
The last few chapters have focused mainly on Karen. From her fear of being in dark places to visiting professionals. However, I found these chapters to be less interesting than the previous once, at least plot wise; there is no action going on up until Navidson goes back into the house. It seems as though the different styles such as the one worded pages are used primarily when the action of the house is highly intensified. At the very end of chapter XX, I thought the slab vanishing and the question whether Navidson is floating or falling was the creepiest and yet coolest part by far. Although, I'm kind of dissappointed the novel doesn't end with the escape but rather a return.
The PEER rating was a good description of what's been going on to all the character's psychology. On pages 370-371 there is a very important "recap" of the house's faults so far. One of the main questions or concerns I had is on page 417 when the chapter ends without a period nor a complete thought; I found that to be very interesting.
Navidson's letters to Karen show how much he really loves her and in chapter XX when he is back in the labyrinth he thinks mostly of her. I seem to be discussing the love between the two in all the posts because I feel that the romance is a promident part of the polt in house.
Questions/ Comments:
- What's the purpose of the missing pages?
-I thought Delial was a more inportant piece to the novel than ust a Pultzer Prize winning photographer.
-How do you read page 432?
-Does Navidson really die at the end of chapter XX. How? Why?
The PEER rating was a good description of what's been going on to all the character's psychology. On pages 370-371 there is a very important "recap" of the house's faults so far. One of the main questions or concerns I had is on page 417 when the chapter ends without a period nor a complete thought; I found that to be very interesting.
Navidson's letters to Karen show how much he really loves her and in chapter XX when he is back in the labyrinth he thinks mostly of her. I seem to be discussing the love between the two in all the posts because I feel that the romance is a promident part of the polt in house.
Questions/ Comments:
- What's the purpose of the missing pages?
-I thought Delial was a more inportant piece to the novel than ust a Pultzer Prize winning photographer.
-How do you read page 432?
-Does Navidson really die at the end of chapter XX. How? Why?
Janie Cherestal
I felt pretty frustrated reading this portion of the novel. I had a really hard time understanding what seemed to be one of the most exciting scenes of the book due to its erratic wording. Other than this, I thought that this part of the book brought up some very interesting points, such as the various possible reasons behind Navidson’s decision to return to the house. I also liked the analysis of Navidson’s heart-breaking experience with Delial and how it showed the complexity behind capturing such an intense moment on film. Some questions that crossed my mind while reading were
- What makes Karen change her mind about leaving Navidson and return to that awful house?
- Why are there X-marks in certain passages?
- Why is one page written in Braille?
- What happens to Navidson at the end of Chapter XX? Does the blue light that engulfs him relate to the blue light in the well from his dream?
- What makes Karen change her mind about leaving Navidson and return to that awful house?
- Why are there X-marks in certain passages?
- Why is one page written in Braille?
- What happens to Navidson at the end of Chapter XX? Does the blue light that engulfs him relate to the blue light in the well from his dream?
Wednesday, February 11, 2009
Janie Cherestal
I felt pretty frustrated reading this portion of the novel. I had a really hard time understanding what seemed to be one of the most exciting scenes of the book due to its erratic wording. Other than this, I thought that this part of the book brought up some very interesting points, such as the various possible reasons behind Navidson’s decision to return to the house. I also liked the analysis of Navidson’s heart-breaking experience with Delial and how it showed the complexity behind capturing such an intense moment on film. Some questions that crossed my mind while reading were
- What makes Karen change her mind about leaving Navidson and return to that awful house?
- Why are there X-marks in certain passages?
- Why is one page written in Braille?
- What happens to Navidson at the end of Chapter XX? Does the blue light that engulfs him relate to the blue light in the well from his dream?
- What makes Karen change her mind about leaving Navidson and return to that awful house?
- Why are there X-marks in certain passages?
- Why is one page written in Braille?
- What happens to Navidson at the end of Chapter XX? Does the blue light that engulfs him relate to the blue light in the well from his dream?
Emily Skahill
was the wording really necessary? i'm pretty positive i would have understood how strange and scary Navidson's situation was without it. I find the only interesting parts the parts about what the Hi 8s saw. The analysis and theories bore me, i'd rather come to my own conclusion. Two parts actually scared me though. The first, which is kind of strange and maybe i'm just not understanding it correctly, but Navidson reading House of Leaves. Isn't that what we're reading right now? When i read that part i thought about Navidson reading about his future, but that was clearly not what his book was about. If I was Truant reading that section I would have thought the burn marks and blotches on Zampano's work came from Navidson's burning of the sections. The second, was the darkness behind Karen when she was watching the new tapes. It's incredibly scary the way it was written, how the darkness was just waiting for her reaction when she turned around. I actually had to turn around myself. Will we ever come to a conclusion about the darkness? Will we ever get to hear the point of view of the children?
Alyson Bernero
The wording in these chapters drove me absolutely crazy. I don't understand why some of the text is upside down and sideways because I feel as if its more of a pain to read and doesn't really have the effect the author intended. Navidson's obsession is even more relevant than ever in these chapters. He goes as far as to say he cannot live without finding out what is inside the house. I find it amazing how much Navidson and Karen truly care for eachother. Its amazing to me that with everything they've been through they still stand by eachother. Once again the male characters venture back into the house to try and solve the mystery of whats inside it. I feel that if they continue to this eventually no one will make it out alive. Johnny's problems are once again extremely visible in these chapters as he becomes more and more engrossed in Zampano's work. I find that Navidson and Johnny Traunt are very similar. Both men are having trouble controlling their obsessions and keeping their sanity. He too will eventually drive himself too death if he doesn't learn to control his obsessions?
1) Will everyone eventually fall victim to hallway?
2) Should Karen still support Navidson?
3) Has Navidson taken his obsession too far?
1) Will everyone eventually fall victim to hallway?
2) Should Karen still support Navidson?
3) Has Navidson taken his obsession too far?
Julie Morvitz
I thought these chapters were very good and gripping at times. I found that every time I was on the edge of my seat waiting to see what happened next, the chapter would end and the next one wouldn’t start from the same place. I had to wait to find out what happened next. I understood why at some points there were only a few words on each page, but I did not understand why the words were written upside down or on a diagonal. I don’t see how this helps the text seem more like a film; it is only annoying to turn the book around. I wonder what Navidson thought was going to happen after he started Exploration #5, because every Exploration before hadn’t ended in a finding of some kind; they only ended in deaths or injuries. I wasn’t surprised that at the end of Chaper XX, Navidson was dying, without having found what he was looking for. I highly doubt that he will die, though, so there must be something drastic that happens soon to get him out of this situation.
Discussion Questions
1. Does Navidson actually expect to find something inside the house?
2. Will Karen somehow get into the labyrinth and save Navidson?
3. How can the floor go downwards in both directions, when Navidson just rode down one side of it?
Kristin Todd
Chapters 17-20
I thought this reading was very light and for the most part easy to read. The only part that I found scary and disturbing was the part with Karen towards the beginning. Her face suddenly appeared on the camera in the kid's room like someone was watching her. It scared me. I think it's weird how the pages are set up. Especially when the words are in the corner and when you have to read up the page instead of down. But, some of the set up makes sense because the words are going up as he's climbing or they're getting wider as the walls are getting wider. It's strange how the labyrinth is set up because when Navidson was on his bike, he was always going downhill even if he turned in a different direction. It's also weird that he seems to be floating.
Discussion Questions:
1. Why are the pages set up like that?
2. How is it possible that Navidson is burning the book while what he is doing took place before the book was created?
3. Is Johnny's story done?
4. What's going to happen to Will?
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?
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?
Tung Kim
In this chapter they decided to return back in to the house, the house given that it has provided such horror and mystery to Navidson and crew. The house that is surly giving out signs that it doesn’t want anyone to bother it invokes fear to try and drive people always. For some reason it just seems right for Navidson to return back to the house. His personality gives some a sort of commanding role I think in really trying to find out what is happening. Perhaps he is trying to make up for his sort comings as a husband and a father to his children. Tom, Navidson and Billy Reston are heading down the hallway in an attempt to rescue Holloway, Jed and Wax. Maybe the house is trying to show them there more to life then what it seems.
Karen seems to he the soft type of person that gives rather then anything else, does Navidson feel the same about her?
The whole layout of the book and writing is starting to change; there are some pages that only have a couple of words. What the meaning of this
Did someone die in the end?
Does anyone else think that the house could be some supernatural being like god or the devil?
The house seems as if there it was made without proper standard living equipments such as heating or plumbing why is that?
Karen seems to he the soft type of person that gives rather then anything else, does Navidson feel the same about her?
The whole layout of the book and writing is starting to change; there are some pages that only have a couple of words. What the meaning of this
Did someone die in the end?
Does anyone else think that the house could be some supernatural being like god or the devil?
The house seems as if there it was made without proper standard living equipments such as heating or plumbing why is that?
Victoria Gornopolskaya
I was quite shocked to find that Navidson has decided to return to the house; the dark, cold, deadly monster. Not many people would return to such a place where death is almost certain, a place that brings nothing but fear. Yet it is typical of Navidson's character to go back to the place he longs to conquer and explore, perhaps to get some kind of closure after the death of his brother. He writes Karen a somewhat touching letter that many would depict as drunken bable though it is actually very meaningful. He discusses his love for Karen and his longing to return to her and the children though he needs to go back to the house because of who he is. It is not possible for Navidson to go on with his life unless he can understand the mystery of the house. Therefore, he has no choice but to go back whether he returns from it or not. His letter also tells us about his obsession with Delial. We learn Delial is a young Sudanese girl who Navidson photographed. He went on to win a Pulitzer for this photo where the girl is near death desperately crawling as a vulture is preying upon her in the background. Some say the photographer who took the photo rather than helping the girl is another vulture on the scene. Navidson agrees with these people and feels extreme guilt. He wishes he could have helped Delial just as badly as he wishes to discover the secret of the house. Navidson failed with Delial and can not bear more failure with the house. Karen too returns to the house which is very out of character for her. Her love for Navidson exceeds her fear of the house. These chapters depict Navidson and Karen's true love for eachother. The end of the chapters describes Navidson's seemingly hopeless journey in which he is possibly falling and on the verge of an impending doom. As this book seems to disregard a sense of what is impossible, I hope it will do the same in Navidson's case and he will somehow live.
What will Karen do with herself if Navidson dies?
Is the house "God"?
Does Karen's love for Navidson exceed his love for her?
Why would a man with such fame and so many achievements feel inadequate and insecure?
What will Karen do with herself if Navidson dies?
Is the house "God"?
Does Karen's love for Navidson exceed his love for her?
Why would a man with such fame and so many achievements feel inadequate and insecure?
Carly Cooper
These chapters were a lot more confusing, I feel like a good chunk of time was cut out between leaving the house and reentering the house. I still feel like I’m not sure if I like either Navidson or Karen the way they constantly abandon their children and both have obsessive personalities. I’m confused about where Navidson is while Karen is living in the house. Is he inside the labyrinth falling as described at the end of the reading? Also is this the end of Navidson? Do we no longer hear about him and his journey into the Labyrinth?
Tuesday, February 10, 2009
John Bonhomme Jr.
Today’s class was a recap of the entire book up until this point. The main focus was on the labyrinth and the characteristics it contains. The main features of the labyrinth were darkness, non quantifiable space, and constant shape shifting. All these features cause fear into the mind of a person through different senses. Darkness causes the eyes to lose their normal function, causing nerves to trigger a sense of fear. People fear what they can’t see, in this case the labyrinth. Non quantifiable space also tends to trigger a sense of fear. Humans have a sense of comfort when they can identify the outer limits of the area which they inhabit. The labyrinth provides no sense of boundaries throwing a person off guard as well as causing fear. People feel comfort when they can see the boundaries of their surroundings, but the labyrinth provides none. The constant shape shifting in the labyrinth also triggers fear. People feel safe with stability, which the labyrinth does not provide. These three characteristics of the labyrinth cause fear in the minds of those who enter it, shown by the sudden change of personalities by those who enter.
Another topic which was discussed in today’s class was Johnny Truant’s Monster. Johnny has been having a tough time keeping his head straight in dark places. He has a constant fear which keeps creeping up on him every time he is in a sketchy situation. He describes this fear as a monster. Johnny says the creature has long black claws, sharp long fangs, and hot breath which tends to breath down the back of his neck. But Truant never gets a chance to see the monster. It always sneaks up behind him. One time he attempted to turn around to try and catch a glimpse but it disappeared. This monster seems to be more of a mental illusion rather than an actual nonfictional creature. Every time Johnny sees the monster there is no scientific evidence of this being true. No one else has yet to see it, (and the monster has left no track behind) making this monster probably fake. The only other reference to a monster such as the one Johnny is describing, is the one that growls in the house. Only time can tell if these monsters are the same, or if they’re even real to begin with.
The last topic covered in class was the question as to whether we are reading a novel or not. Certain characteristics of the book answer yes and no. The main evidence to this piece of literature being a novel is; the frame narrative, non-linear narrative, critical energies, citation, typography, appendix, and the glossary. All of these features in the book will make a strong argument in favor for this literature truly being a novel.
Another topic which was discussed in today’s class was Johnny Truant’s Monster. Johnny has been having a tough time keeping his head straight in dark places. He has a constant fear which keeps creeping up on him every time he is in a sketchy situation. He describes this fear as a monster. Johnny says the creature has long black claws, sharp long fangs, and hot breath which tends to breath down the back of his neck. But Truant never gets a chance to see the monster. It always sneaks up behind him. One time he attempted to turn around to try and catch a glimpse but it disappeared. This monster seems to be more of a mental illusion rather than an actual nonfictional creature. Every time Johnny sees the monster there is no scientific evidence of this being true. No one else has yet to see it, (and the monster has left no track behind) making this monster probably fake. The only other reference to a monster such as the one Johnny is describing, is the one that growls in the house. Only time can tell if these monsters are the same, or if they’re even real to begin with.
The last topic covered in class was the question as to whether we are reading a novel or not. Certain characteristics of the book answer yes and no. The main evidence to this piece of literature being a novel is; the frame narrative, non-linear narrative, critical energies, citation, typography, appendix, and the glossary. All of these features in the book will make a strong argument in favor for this literature truly being a novel.
John Bonhomme Jr.
The book just suddenly picked up the pace. This reminded me of like when the labyrinth moves slowly until all of a sudden jumps very quickly. The book imitated this pattern in a way. At some points in the book it feel like the story is not moving at all. But in some chapters, such as these, the book really picks up the pace very quickly. Chapters XVII-XX give a lot of insight to some unanswered questions. Deliah is a little girl who Will photographed before she was killed by a human eating voulcher. This photo was Will's most renown photo, but it still haunts him. He can never forgive himself for not saving that little girl, instead of taking the photo. This is one of the reasons he goes back into the house. He says that to this day he wished he did a heroic act such as the one Tom did for his daughter Daisy. Johnny Truant has packed his bags and moved on with his life. He gathered up some money and decided to get out of the house. His "friend" Lude is in the hospital and appears to be in horrible condition. Johnny out of the kindness of his heart leave 500 dollars under Lude's door, which he will never get.
Questions
How did Will read the House of Leaves when the book is about him?
Why can't Karen find the hallway?
How can Karen hear him?
Questions
How did Will read the House of Leaves when the book is about him?
Why can't Karen find the hallway?
How can Karen hear him?
Robert Stevens
This portion of the story is very intriguing. Karen and Will end up seperating, the story finally goes public, and it seems that everyone is touched in a negative way by this house. Will is drivin to a state of despair so great that it compells him to go back to the house, and in so doing basically condemning himself. He also discusses the dreams that have been plauging him since he left the house, the angish of losing his brother, the Delial story, and his inability to reconnect with Karen and the kids.
Zampano also addresses several analyses put forward by others as to why Navidson would want to go back, and what affects the house had on the others involved. The house even seems to have an effect on Johnny Truant. He is now having powerful dreams of himself as a Minotaur-type creature, and is now planning to depart for Virginia in search of this house. He even refused a follow up offer from Kyrie.
Karen did do some research on the house. Nothing significant was revealed, aside from the fact that owners tended not to stay more than a few years. As well as a journal from the 1600s written during a failed hunting expedition in which they discovered "stairs" in the wilderness, leading some to conclude that whatever had created the labryinth in the house had propbably existed in one form or another for well over 400 years.
Karen moved back into the house after Will's "Expedition #5" began (when he went missing) and one day, for no reason, his cassets and film appeared one day in the kid's room. Upon watching it, they depicted Will's last adventure in the house, which ended with him falling into an unknown abyss.
Discussion Questions:
1. Why did a window appear in Will's final expedition?
2. What was he hoping to find this one last time?
3. What posessed Karen to want to live in the house alone?
Zampano also addresses several analyses put forward by others as to why Navidson would want to go back, and what affects the house had on the others involved. The house even seems to have an effect on Johnny Truant. He is now having powerful dreams of himself as a Minotaur-type creature, and is now planning to depart for Virginia in search of this house. He even refused a follow up offer from Kyrie.
Karen did do some research on the house. Nothing significant was revealed, aside from the fact that owners tended not to stay more than a few years. As well as a journal from the 1600s written during a failed hunting expedition in which they discovered "stairs" in the wilderness, leading some to conclude that whatever had created the labryinth in the house had propbably existed in one form or another for well over 400 years.
Karen moved back into the house after Will's "Expedition #5" began (when he went missing) and one day, for no reason, his cassets and film appeared one day in the kid's room. Upon watching it, they depicted Will's last adventure in the house, which ended with him falling into an unknown abyss.
Discussion Questions:
1. Why did a window appear in Will's final expedition?
2. What was he hoping to find this one last time?
3. What posessed Karen to want to live in the house alone?
Elisabeth Jeremko
For these chapters, my emotional responses to the characters' plights in the Navidson Record began shifting towards their personal demons, as opposed to the horror of the house itself. I found Holloway's story to be tragic,where his quest to rid himself of inadequacies became the ultimate (failed) test within the spiral staircase. I also began to feel more empathy for Karen. In the earlier chapters, I found Karen's behavior to be rather selfish and unsupportive of Navidson's need for his art. However, when the house began to collapse, I realized how much she had really been putting up with, and I was annoyed with Navidson that they let everything go that far. Although I was emotionally moved by the characters on a more psychological level, there were still aspects that kept these chapters horror-like. The visit of the schoolteacher, the disturbing pictures drawn by Chad and Daisy, and the house taking on a life of its own all kept the story creepy and hard to decipher. I am starting to get mildly vexed with Johnny Truant and his tangents. Earlier, I found his voice interesting and a nice disruption from the rest of the action. However, now I am starting to feel like he is in a state of stasis, where he repeats many of his psychological insecurities and fears over and over again. I would like to see something happen with him in the upcoming chapters. I think one of my favorite parts of the chapters were when different philosophers, scientists, and filmmakers commented about Karen and the house. I found this amusing, where it was guessed how different thinkers would ponder this mystery.
DISCUSSION QUESTIONS
1) Why was the minotaur parts of the Record striked out?
2) How does Tom die, exactly?
3) Is there any significance to Chad always going outside, and Daisy always staying in? Is it gender related symbolism?
4) Who could Delial be?
DISCUSSION QUESTIONS
1) Why was the minotaur parts of the Record striked out?
2) How does Tom die, exactly?
3) Is there any significance to Chad always going outside, and Daisy always staying in? Is it gender related symbolism?
4) Who could Delial be?
Nian Liu
House of Leaves by Mark Z. Danielewski Chapters XIII-XVI
These three chapters settle close to the end of the story explaining different perspectives of critics and psychiatrists on the characters in the Navidson Record. On chapter thirteen, it was mostly about side comments on the Hi-8 tapes/story and it also provided us behind the scenes on the Holloway Tape. In the story the house begins to devour Holloway as he lingers alone in the darkness, the room filled with his own sorrow, fear, and hopelessness. As for Johnny Traunt in this chapter, he finds himself obsessed exactly the way Navidson was obsessed with the Hallway. He continues to talk about things that were happening then later not happening and how the thought of the darkness consuming everything makes him wake up with cold sweats every night. As for the relationship between Karen and Will Navidson in the three chapters, their love and tolerance for each other start to deterioate. As for Jed, Wax, Reston, Tom and Navidson, they all ultimately escape the hallway but Jed couldn't make it. Holloway suicides with the pull of his rifle to his chest, and the story seems to have ascended from its climax. But very surprised I didn't know that the situation would be even worst than it already is, the house begins to devour the Navidson family along with Tom and sadly he sacrifices himself in order to save Daisy. The Navidson family escaped the haunting house but Will and Karen found it impossible to get back. What I enjoyed the most was the part in the story where the scientists explained to the guys how the hallway materials were either from another dimension, extrateresstrial or just a "persistent presence of schizophrenia plaguing the human race."
1) Could the missing pages in the book explain things that aren't already mentioned in the book?
2) Will there be a happy ever after in this story or would this book remain a dark mystery leaving readers in an overflow of questions.
3) What will happen to the kids Chad and Daisy now that they have escaped, will they continue to be drawing pictures of dark rooms and will they ever be normal again?
These three chapters settle close to the end of the story explaining different perspectives of critics and psychiatrists on the characters in the Navidson Record. On chapter thirteen, it was mostly about side comments on the Hi-8 tapes/story and it also provided us behind the scenes on the Holloway Tape. In the story the house begins to devour Holloway as he lingers alone in the darkness, the room filled with his own sorrow, fear, and hopelessness. As for Johnny Traunt in this chapter, he finds himself obsessed exactly the way Navidson was obsessed with the Hallway. He continues to talk about things that were happening then later not happening and how the thought of the darkness consuming everything makes him wake up with cold sweats every night. As for the relationship between Karen and Will Navidson in the three chapters, their love and tolerance for each other start to deterioate. As for Jed, Wax, Reston, Tom and Navidson, they all ultimately escape the hallway but Jed couldn't make it. Holloway suicides with the pull of his rifle to his chest, and the story seems to have ascended from its climax. But very surprised I didn't know that the situation would be even worst than it already is, the house begins to devour the Navidson family along with Tom and sadly he sacrifices himself in order to save Daisy. The Navidson family escaped the haunting house but Will and Karen found it impossible to get back. What I enjoyed the most was the part in the story where the scientists explained to the guys how the hallway materials were either from another dimension, extrateresstrial or just a "persistent presence of schizophrenia plaguing the human race."
1) Could the missing pages in the book explain things that aren't already mentioned in the book?
2) Will there be a happy ever after in this story or would this book remain a dark mystery leaving readers in an overflow of questions.
3) What will happen to the kids Chad and Daisy now that they have escaped, will they continue to be drawing pictures of dark rooms and will they ever be normal again?
Janie Cherestal
The story of the Navidson house gets more and more intriguing as I continue reading about it. I loved how Chapter XIII describes the madness of the bloody scene from the eyes of an innocent schoolteacher checking up on her students. I felt heartbroken when Tom was swallowed up by the house, for he had become my favorite character of the novel. I especially felt bad for Navidson, for any reader could see that he had emotionally reconnected to his brother. Some questions that crossed my mind while reading this segment of the novel were-
- What is the significance behind the fact that the furniture blockading the entrance to the hallway looked like a theater?
- Why does Karen accept the tapes of the house when it seems as though all she wanted throughout the novel was to get as far away from the house as possible?
- What is this “it” that Johnny is trying to lock out of his house?
- Does the fact that Zampano is blind relate in anyway to the theme of darkness and the unknown of the novel?
- What is the significance behind the fact that the furniture blockading the entrance to the hallway looked like a theater?
- Why does Karen accept the tapes of the house when it seems as though all she wanted throughout the novel was to get as far away from the house as possible?
- What is this “it” that Johnny is trying to lock out of his house?
- Does the fact that Zampano is blind relate in anyway to the theme of darkness and the unknown of the novel?
Kristy Medina
House Chapter 13-16
The quote talks about an "escape" however the footnotes makes it seem like there is no escape, however. It's even dark outside. Karen likes control which might be the complete opposite of Navidson- although Navidson wants control of the house. Reston hears a noise, he goes away then knocks from the door. Lights go off during a thunderstorm which is a typical plot scene in a horror story. The family is about to leave when Karen starts to scream and Navidson's true love for Karen shows. The love between the two seems to get more complicated and difficult throughout the novel but there is a love or connection is present. The darkness takes Tom at the end of chapter 13.
Psychology is again shown through when it is revealed that Karen was raped in a dark well when she was a teenager. The relationshp shows why she was so afraind of the house and kept to herself, and therefore hated it when Navidson persisted on going on his explorations. The weird relationship between Navidson and Karen grows apart and changes because of the house. Yet, they love eachother in an awkward, untraditional way. With their shady pasts and their kids, and their new experience at the house, the relationship might rekindle and become an actual relationship once again.
Questions:
- Why did it take them so long to leave the house?
-What does the last sentence mean in Chapter 13, about "finding his mother?"
The quote talks about an "escape" however the footnotes makes it seem like there is no escape, however. It's even dark outside. Karen likes control which might be the complete opposite of Navidson- although Navidson wants control of the house. Reston hears a noise, he goes away then knocks from the door. Lights go off during a thunderstorm which is a typical plot scene in a horror story. The family is about to leave when Karen starts to scream and Navidson's true love for Karen shows. The love between the two seems to get more complicated and difficult throughout the novel but there is a love or connection is present. The darkness takes Tom at the end of chapter 13.
Psychology is again shown through when it is revealed that Karen was raped in a dark well when she was a teenager. The relationshp shows why she was so afraind of the house and kept to herself, and therefore hated it when Navidson persisted on going on his explorations. The weird relationship between Navidson and Karen grows apart and changes because of the house. Yet, they love eachother in an awkward, untraditional way. With their shady pasts and their kids, and their new experience at the house, the relationship might rekindle and become an actual relationship once again.
Questions:
- Why did it take them so long to leave the house?
-What does the last sentence mean in Chapter 13, about "finding his mother?"
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