My absolute favorite part of this section is the beginning of Mukherjee's rhetorical analysis and critique of Farber's report after he has experienced some "success" with the anti-folates. And his summation of Farber's dream. The tone is so hopeful that I feel we must be close and then I realize we have 440 pages to go.
I am also inclined to favor the personification and character analysis of cancer in the beginning of the section titled, "A Private Plague".
Your thoughts? Golden Lines?
We meet Robert Sandler, whom this entire book is dedicated to! The very first patient to experience a significant improvement during childhood ALL, as a result of Farber's new antifolate. It must be significant that the book is dedicated to Sandler, as well as "those who came before and after him" (iv). The author dedicated the book to the victims of cancer, which is fitting since they are the ones the battle is being fought for.
ReplyDeleteGolden Line: "it had temporarily abated, frozen into a hematologic stalemate in the frozen Boston winter" (34).
I kind of feel, like the novel is shifting away from this personification of cancer as an unbeatable for, that completely tears apart the soul with speed and deftness, into hinting that this juggernaut of a disease may Actually have a kryptonite, making it almost have human qualities. And giving the section a lot more of hope, than actually present due to makhajees transition from his descriptions of its deadliness to a hope for finding a cure. I've read a little further, and it seems that he is foreshadowing failure rod the antifolates, which leads me to infer that the novel will shift back to the moo and atmosphere of a despair full reader.
ReplyDeleteGood choice of a golden line, Victoria. That Mukherjee, his ability to draw a parallel between two seemingly unlike or unassociated items or ideas is an incredible skill. Notice, I said "skill" not gift.
ReplyDeleteInteresting observations, Sharath. And welcome! The mood is often despairing, but watch for Mukherjee's little bits of humor in the form of word play.
I have to admit, Victoria, I missed the Robert Sandler dedication. Way to read closely and critically. It's interesting that Mukherjee singled him out, especially as we meet more "characters" and when one considers the presence of Carla who seems to provide the frame upon which Mukherjee hangs the biography. Why Sandler? I mean, he gives a nod to all cancer victims...but, still.
ReplyDeleteI always learn so much from my students. You all teach me so much more than I could ever teach you.
Oh, and if you all have experience with the rhetorical precis already, you are going to be so happy this fall. This will be the first year that students know what I am talking about when I say 'rhetorical precis' and that is all because of Mrs. Malmquist, I'm betting.
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