Monday, April 6, 2009

The Start of Discussion: The Dust of 100 Dogs

Since we're six days into the month and probably started reading The Dust of 100 Dogs, I thought I would post a few discussion questions to think about while you're reading. These are just basic questions that we will be discussing for each book. We will get more specific with our discussion later in the month. Please remember, if you have finished The Dust of 100 Dogs, do NOT post any spoilers for those who have yet to finish.

If you visit the comments, you'll notice that I've also posted each question there, as well as this post. If you want to join in on the discussion for any of the questions, please just hit the "post reply" option next to the question. That way, we can keep each discussion a separate thread and reply to individuals. Remember, please no spoilers in this discussion. We can talk about the end of the book in the last discussion post of the month.

Also, if you haven't already, please read the FAQ and Rules. They will always be posted in the sidebar if you need to find them at any time.

1. How does the setting figure into the book? Is the setting a character? Does it come to life? Did you feel you were experiencing the time and place in which the book was set?
2. What motivated the story? Was the novel plot-driven or character-driven?
3. What are some of the book's themes? How important were they?
4. How are the book's images symbolically significant? Do the images help to develop the plot, or help to define characters?
5. What was your first impression of the characters?

Please don't be shy. Make sure to join in the discussion. If there is another question you'd like others to consider while reading the book, please feel free to post them in the comments section as a new comment.

If you haven't picked up your copy of The Dust of 100 Dogs yet, don't worry. There is still plenty of time. We will be reading and discussing the book throughout the month!

Comments (25)

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1. How does the setting figure into the book? Is the setting a character? Does it come to life? Did you feel you were experiencing the time and place in which the book was set?
5 replies · active 833 weeks ago
The setting in The Dust of 100 Dogs made the book that more unique, in my opinion. There are a few different settings in the book, and each one of them are described in a way that makes them unique and makes you feel like you're there with Emer, or Saffron, or Fred.

As for the time, I felt like I could imagine the time, though I know almost nothing about it. However, I do think it helped that I had had World History last year, so I did have some background on what was going on in Ireland at this time.
Hope, I totally agree on the unique aspect. I loved the balance between Saffron and Emer's settings. It all comes together when Saffron returns to her roots (Not going to say anymore for spoiler reasons.)
The setting in this book was very important. Especially the way the setting bounces back and forth in time. The setting has a lot to do with the decisions the characters make in their lives. Emer is a product of the Ireland she grew up in. Saffron is especially interesting because she's almost a combination of her world and Emer's.
Heather, I love how you pointed out Saffron's setting is a combination between her world and Emer's. Though small, do you think each setting in the Dog Facts has any influence at all? I think it's interesting to see how each setting changes with each fact and how that influenced them.
I'm sure her dog lives did have an influence, but I'd probably have to read through the book again to give you any kind of specifics. :) The first thing that comes to mind as far as dogs is the Doberman that Saffron interacts with towards the end of the story. She seemed to have an easier time understanding him than your average person probably would.
2. What motivated the story? Was the novel plot-driven or character-driven?
4 replies · active 832 weeks ago
For me, the novel was character-driven. I kept reading because I wanted to find out what was going to happen to the characters. It had a slow beginning, but I trudged through that because I wanted to find out what would happen to the characters.
Totally agree that it was character-driven but I think the setting had a big part it in, almost becoming a character in itself. I loved both Emer and Saffron for different reasons and they both played a huge part in the book (of course), but so did the minor characters.
I'd say character-driven as well. The characters and their actions propelled the story along.
I agree, it was character driven. I've never been a huge fan with historical settings, but I found myself more intrigued with Emer's life than Saffron's. For me it was hearing about Emer that kept me reading. Reliving everything she went through.
3. What are some of the book's themes? How important were they?
4 replies · active 832 weeks ago
One of the themes I got out of it was never give up. This appeared in both Emer and Saffron's stories. In Emer's story it was not giving up on finding Seanie, and in Saffron's it was not giving up on finding her treasure.

I think that this was an important theme. No one should ever give up on their dreams, because they might just end up happening.
Great response, Hope. Never giving up, no matter how large the obstacle or how big the dream is important in everyone's life and I think all of us can relate to. We've all had times in our lives we wanted to quick something (no matter what the situation), but battled through, just like Emer and Saffron.
I've got to agree here too. The theme of not giving up shows up with both Emer and Saffron.

Ever the romantic, I have to point out the everlasting love theme. Both real and perceived. After all, love is what got Emer cursed in the first place. And because I don't want to give anything away, I guess that's all I'll say about everlasting love for now.
Self worth. When ever Emer would hit a rough patch (ex. Frenchmen) she would hear her mother's voice edging her on. Urging her to trust herself, not to give up, and to runaway (not settle with the Frenchman). The story of Emer's name was about a woman who was strong and didn't except the man until he proved his "honor".
4. How are the book's images symbolically significant? Do the images help to develop the plot, or help to define characters?
3 replies · active 833 weeks ago
The images in the book helped to define the characters for me, because it gave you a bigger glimpse into their lives and helps you understand them more.
I think the images of the book made Saffron and Emer separate people, but also in the end brought them together (which we can discuss in the final questions).
I think the most interesting image for me is Emer's cloaks and her embroidery. On the one hand we know embroidery is something she loved when she was a carefree child. So one could say that she goes back to her embroidery as a pirate in an attempt to regain some of that carefree feeling.

I just find it an interesting juxtaposition that she's a fierce pirate, yet she has this very feminine skill of embroidery. Then at the same time, she embroiders very fearsome images.
5. What was your first impression of the characters?
1 reply · active 833 weeks ago
Emer definitely held my interest more in the beginning. Her life was fascinating; she lived through a great deal and grew because of it.

Saffron, in the beginning, was the less interesting of the two women. That of course changes later, but at first she's just your mostly average teenager frustrated and annoyed by her parents. She can't quite be called completely average since she has knowledge your typical teen wouldn't, but overall she's still just a teen.
My first impression of Emer was that she was a cute, innocent little girl when her story first started. My first impression of Saffron was that she was kind of nice, but that she hated her life as Saffron.
2 replies · active 832 weeks ago
I enjoyed both characters, but at first found Saffron a little frustrating only because she was frustrated with her life.

Like you, Hope, Emer just started out as a cute girl in a poor situation but evolved at a fast rate throughout the story to be a strong willed person, in turn making Saffron a strong person.
I really enjoyed Emer's story. She fascinated me from the beginning to the end. She starts out young, innocent but you can still see a tiny glimse of her wild side. Standing watch every day, she wanted to do her part to protect her loved ones. She didn't want to be left out. At a young age, she was already mischievous (spying on her mom).

She grew to be a strong,agressive, independent leader. I loved reliving the paths that brought her there. Yet, in a way, her life as 100 dogs helped to soften her for her next life as a human. Helped to calm her aggressive side. Yes it was still there, but it was pushed into the background. She never acted out those nasty thoughts, (as Saffron).

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