Monday 13 April 2015

The Hundred-Year-Old Man Who Climbed Out Of The Window And Disappeared - Questions

Hello everyone,

As we have a book club meeting on Thursday of this week i should probably be sending out some questions for you to think about. Please let me know if you’re unable to come along to the meeting.

•    The One Hundred Year Old Man is a novel with the topic of ageing at its core. What are society's expectations of how the elderly should act? Talk about the ways—obvious and not-so-obvious—in which Allan defies the usual stereotypes. What are your own experiences, either as an older person yourself...or as someone who worries about an older friend or family member? Does society do a good job in terms of how we treat our older population? Have you read other novels that explore (and shatter) a strongly held societal belief?
•    History and politics sit lightly within the framework of this novel. When it comes to international relations, what worldview would you say the author seem to hold?
•    A definition of "satire" is "a literary composition in which vices, abuses and follies, etc are held up to scorn, derision or ridicule" (Macquarie Dictionary). Do you think this novel is a satire—and what is being satirized?
•    At 100, Allan’s life is filled with important moments. And yet he does not seem to see these encounters as momentous. Is he naïve? Innocent? What does Allan’s own attitude toward his past and his present tell you about him and his view of life? Do you hold a similar perspective?

Hope to see you all on Thursday for books and cake!

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