Reader's Ink discussion

In your opinion, what is the significance or Ruprecht’s overeating and Lori’s under-eating?

Unhealthy relationships with food are about control. In Lori's case, she was unable to control her social life in the way she wanted to- perhaps in the way that she was once able to. She now has complicated relationships with two different boys, and is unable to realize what/who she wants and what she wants out of them. I think this causes her to feel somewhat out of control, so she turns to something she can take absolute control over- food. This control gives her the illusion of having some power back in her life, which of course, is only an illusion, because it only takes away what control even over food she thought she had when it lands her in the rehab center.

On the other side of the Spectrum, I think Ruprecht's over eating represents control in a different way. He is incredibly controlled in his life- in his studies, in how diligently he works to create and discover. His entire life is controlled by these obsessive thoughts about finding new dimensions, and furthering the Professor's ideas. Food, really, is the only way that Ruprecht lets loose. Because he is so overly controlled about everything else, he uses food as an outlet. Something not for him to control, but something to control him.

If you have had these behaviors as member of family or special friends, it can be one of the most heart-breaking things there is. Ashley is correct---control is the primary issue here. As an outsider looking in and as one that has this in their life, I would try with all my power to see what I could do to help this person, and due to some other problems, this friend of mine will probably be dying in the next few weeks. If she had got her life together, figured out that losing the weight would have helped her. But mental illness plays a roll too. My friend is bypolar. I would bet the farm that Skippy, Ruprecht, (maybe all four of them) and some of the professors too had mental illnesses. And they use these means of display to show how they can control their behaviors, and how it affects those around them.

Alisha- good points! Very interesting, especially about Ruprecht allowing food to control him. It's something he can be reckless with, as opposed to his theories and studies in which he can't.

I agree with Alisha completely but also think the Food issue is a way for them to unconsciously punish themselves for actions they have/have not taken. Lori for what she did to Skippy and what Carl did to her, and Ruprecht for his lack of action in saving Skippy. By controlling their food in both extrememes they are also able to enact suffering on themselves. So in my opinion it is both a control and guilt issue.