Thor Cossette’s Reviews > A Psalm for the Wild-Built > Status Update

At the end of the book, it seems like Dex is not enjoying being in the wilderness, which is confusing because earlier in the book, Dex was loving being outside with Mosscap. I feel bad for Dex because no matter how hard they try, Dex never feels like they have found their true calling. I thought Dex would have found their true calling, but it seems we will never know.

I feel like Dex is starting to find their calling in life because it seems like they are enjoying the outdoors with Mosscap. I brought up a theory in class that the crickets stop chirping when Dex finds their calling. I think this theory is correct because s Dex has not heard the crickets in a while and enjoys their life more than ever.

During class, we were trying to figure out whether Mosscap has feelings or not. In class, I said Mosscap has no emotions because on pages 69 and 74, instead of saying Mosscap felt amused or was offended, it always said looked offended and amused. This shows that Mosscap lacks emotions but can still portray them. Mosscap fakes his emotions by studying Dex's real emotions and copies them to make it look like his own.

Dex's job as a tea monk is only to satisfy the needs of others. However, their conversation with Mosscap helps them realize that they have been working to fulfill others' expectations, not what they truly want. This encourages them to work towards a more authentic life. The message that the author wants to convey is the importance of pursuing a career that brings one joy rather than one that builds a reputation.

Dex, a garden monk, leaves the City to search for a more meaningful life. Dex focuses on serving others rather than power and wealth. Dex goes out of their way to comfort others, showing empathy. Similarly, the Transition preserves half of Penga for humans and half for countless species, reflecting the author’s care for nonhuman life.