Description
choose two discussion questions that deepen our discussion of On Beauty. Note: these themes/ideas emerged from your first posts earlier in the week, so you are encouraged to keep building those ideas as you fold in insights from the rest of the novel. Discussion Prompt 1: Why is this novel titled “On Beauty”? Of course one of the protagonists is an art historian and debates in his field became the occassion for establishing the background context for the plot, but on a deeper level, what does the novel want to say about beauty and/or aesthetics?How is beauty intertwined with race and gender? How do ideas of beauty express history and culture? What are the dynamics between “high” and “low” forms of art/culture? In your response, pull from any parts of the novel that help you analye this theme. I would suggest focusing on scene or passage to give you focus and detail to work with. Discussion Prompt 2:One of your classmates posed a compelling question about how Levi uses other people’s words, perhaps because he struggles to find his own voice. Who struggles with voice in this novel and why? What does it mean to find your own voice? What is the power and significance of using others’ words? What is the power of voice in terms of history, culture, community? In your response, pull from any parts of the novel that help you analye this theme. I would suggest focusing on a character, particular dynamic, or scene to give you focus and detail to work with. Your responses should refer to details from the text and at least one quote. Your responses should be at least 8 sentences
