DISCUSSION QUESTIONS The Overstory |
1. The Overstory is split into four
sections: Roots, Trunk, Crown, and Seeds. How do those sections reflect
the thematic numerous concerns of the novel—that human development (in
the micro and macro) mimics growth in the "natural world," that human
beings are deeply, intimately bound to nature? You and the tree in your backyard come from a common ancestor. A billion and a half years ago, the two of you parted ways. But even now, after an immense journey in separate directions, that tree and you still share a quarter of your genes .5. Westover also says, "Forests panic people.
Too much going on there. Humans need a sky." Do you panic in deep
forests? (Forests are different than the lovely shaded groves and glens
where we love to picnic.) 9. What might the title, Overstory, signify? What is the pun at its heart? 10. What of this observation on the part of the lawyer who turns to novels for solace but then seems to question their value? To be human is to confuse a satisfying story with a meaningful one.… The world is failing precisely because no novel can make the contest for the world seem as compelling as the struggles between a few lost people .* Some questions from LitLovers. |
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