The Floating Opera Pgs. 1- 83

The Floating Opera (Pgs. 1- 83)

Chapter 1:

-       We are introduced to Todd Andrews who is clearly disturbed

-       What do we make of the fact that he addresses us (the reader) directly?

-       On page 4 and 5 he essentially gives us his biography, very weird because now we don’t really have much else to learn about him and we will see his character develop differently.

“It may require the best efforts of your attention and imagination- together with some patience, if you’re an average fellow- to keep track of the plot as it sails in and out of view” (8)

-       Does this quote make it ironic that the book is named after a boat?

Chapter 2:

-       From what we know of Todd Andrews, how are he and Captain Osborn similar?

-       “Light Step!  I wanted to dance across the hall!  My opinion?  My opinion?  S U I C I D E !  Oh, light step, reader!  (16)

-       Why is he so happy about this prospect?  Does it change our opinion of him? 

Chapter 3:

-       Strange name for a chapter… “Coitus”

-       “I enjoyed making love to you, and I hope you liked it too.  That’s plenty enough without falsifying any romance.” (29)

o   What do we make of this situation created by Harrison and Jane?

o   Is this acceptable?

o   Is it strange how supportive Harrison is of this?

-       What do we make if the fact that he had previously been a virgin? 

-       Why does he outline all of this?

Chapter 4:

-       The captains confession that the title of the chapter is referring to is undoubtedly his opinions on death, how does that relate to the idea that Todd will be committing suicide shortly?

Chapter 5:

-       Discusses how he pays his bill every day instead of at any other rate?  Is this consistent with the rest of his personality? 

-       Does the brevity of the chapter have any meaning in relation to the book’s syntax and overall structure

Chapter 6:

-       We are introduced to another meaning of “The Floating Opera” and yet the name of the chapter is “Maryland Beaten Biscuits.”  What does this have to do with his current mental state and are the two related? 

Chapter 7:

-       “For Heaven’s sake!  German soldiers!  It occurred to me that I was supposed to kill them.” (62)

o   Seems like he does not actually care about the war but is relying on his basic survival instincts. 

-       Quickly makes friends with the German soldier, they agree to make peace and help heel each other’s wounds. 

-       “If the notion of homosexuality enters your head, you’re normal, I think.  If you judge either the German sergeant or myself to have been homosexual, you’re stupid” (65)

-       The feel a strange fondness towards each other and Todd seems to soften up.  He then proceeds to kill him with seemingly no remorse. 

o   How can someone transition so quickly and what does that say about who he is as a person.

o   He then proceeds to discuss how he doesn’t trust people… kinda ironic? 

Chapter 8:

-       “One day in 1930 I came from the office and found Dad in the cellar, one end of his belt spiked to the floor joist and the other fastened around his neck” (71)

-       Do we think this affected his personality and/ or desire to commit suicide. 

Chapter 9:

-       Starts out by saying: “Certainly I’ve never been dedicate to anything” (73)

o   Pretty depressing idea

o   Explains why he is depressed

-       What do we make of the advertisements on pages 78- 82?