Luke Elsinger > Recent Status Updates

Hamid writes that other well-known animals, compared to bats, lack agility and awareness. I believe that Hamid is using the bats to illustrate Pakistanis. Oftentimes, like bats, people look at Pakistanis and think they are unusual or lack certain qualities that others have. However, it is quite the opposite. This was shown when Changez had patience with Erica rather than the typical American going straight for sex.

What I found interesting was the Kurta Changez wore to visit Erica. An 'ethnic exception' that no one would comment on, as it is a part of his culture. I think Hamid chose this culturally unique fashion for Changez to wear as a testament to the love he has for his homeland. He is not afraid to be himself and represent Pakistan. In the future, I predict Changez will face a shift in culture and acceptance (9/11).

Changez says that New York feels like home, because of its immense diversity and established immigrant communities. But I struggle to decipher the deeper message of how this impacts the book. Even so, I believe Hamid is trying to give him a sense of belonging. I can predict that in the future, he will not feel at home, and his relationship with New York will change, connecting to his name, Changez (Changes).

Changez's annoyances towards Mike and Chuck during their trip in Greece were thought-provoking. Not only does he talk about the "ease with which they part ways with their money," but also how they treat their elders. I believe the author did this to show that Pakistani and American cultures differ. I can predict that culture will be a recurring theme, affecting Changez's future relationships and view of America.

David's afterthoughts on Frank's Suicide shocked me. In a way, he seemed almost happy; he stated, "It was gratitude," after describing what he had felt for his uncle after his uncle's death. In this, Watson helps show how young David is once more. David believes things will go back to normal enough for his satisfaction. However, he then said, "I believed all of these things to be true," hinting at the opposite.

I find it interesting how Frank's appearance shifts from the beginning of the book to the end. On page 138, David exclaims that when he walks over the basement floor where Frank is, it gives him "a momentary glimpse of the dark, flowing depths always waiting below." Watson does a good job of illustrating how people can change, for good or worse. Frank is an example of this, turning from a loving uncle to a criminal.

I was caught off guard when David pointed out his dad's ageing at a point of vulnerability. I believe Watson illustrated this scene to show how hard this situation must be on Wesley. Not only battling his oppressive father, but he also has to arrest his brother on a case of murder. In the future, the theme of family vs justice will continue to force Welsey to clash with Julian and navigate the law with Frank.

The secret David knows, and that he has trouble sharing with people, intrigues me. I believe this is when he becomes the protagonist of the story. He could keep the secret and continue with his life, but instead, he shares the truth. I think the author did this to give David more power in the story, as he is always treated like a child. Now, David has the power to change the outcome of the situation.

I am fascinated by why the author chose 12-year-old David to narrate this story rather than himself in the present day. I believe that it was told by his younger self because it helps build suspense. David is constantly dealing with being treated like a child. However, in the book, he struggles to discern the deeper message of what is really happening, prompting the reader to think for themselves.

I questioned why the author included that Marie always had the Philco radio on when she was at the house. I thought it had marked a change for the worse in Marie's health, as she had not been playing it like her normal self. I think the author did this to show how Marie is really struggling with a severe sickness that might be detrimental. I can predict that in the future, Marie might not recover from this virus.

I was intrigued that the father, Wesley, questioned who the mother was talking to, after he had learned the horrendous things about his brother. I think that Wesley knew that he would soon have to make a decision between family and justice. The author might have done this in order to show the possible theme of right, from wrong. Where as, investigating his brother would be right, and letting it slide would be wrong.

I was flabbergasted when Wesley (the father) continued to give his brother Frank, the benefit of the doubt, even after learning that he molested many Native Americans. This helps the author portray the racial discrimination that was apparent in Montana 1948 towards Native Americans. I think that Wesley is going to have to make difficult decision between family and justice in the forecasted future.

I questioned why the first thing that author talked about was the father's job. I believe that the author did this to establish the setting and give background on Montana 1948. The small town, the minor disturbances, not needing to carry a gun all make up what Montana was like in 1948. Moreover, I suspect that later on in the story, there will be conflict, contradicting the stereotypical inactive Montana 1948.