Re: DISCUSSION: April GSBC Contemporary The Signature of All Things
1. What do you think this novel is about, at its heart?
I don't really have an answer to this, but I do feel that people are shaped by the accidents in their lives, by things out of their control in this novel. There is no destiny -- but random shifts in circumstance that end up determining who people are. Even when you try to control the direction of your life or others' lives, it doesn't work out as planned. I guess that kind of works with the concept of evolution that develops in this novel.
2. What aspects of this novel did you enjoy?
I liked the prose, the incredible level of scientific, philosophical, and historical detail. I like that actual historical figures were woven in and around the plot, influencing our main characters.
3. What aspects of this novel did you find to be problematic?
I think Prudence was quite a puzzle. And then the housekeeper/nanny just explains her quickly in the end and we're supposed to understand that Prudence has sacrificed so much for Alma's happiness in silence.
Also, part of me hates that Alma keeps silent about her theory and won't publish and then Darwin publishes first. I know she tries to make it okay by emphasizing that she could never had made the concept as appealing to the public as Darwin did, but still, it bothers me. I guess similarly, her mother stays in the shadows and lets Henry get all the glory despite her own knowledge and capabilities.
4. Was there was a moment you found to be particularly insightful and real?
That moment when Prudence first enters the novel, when the mom and the housekeeper stand protectively around her because they sense this child's beauty puts her in danger, even when so young. I think this is the kind of intuition women have and it often affects their relationships with each other and the men around them. I also think it's interesting that Prudence does so much to downplay herself as a threat because of her own beauty. She doesn't want the spotlight.
*5. Anything you think felt too forced or contrived? *
See above, regarding Prudence.
*6. What did you think of the concept of "The Signature of All Things" that appears in this novel? How do you think it adds to the story? Does it? *
Okay, so the idea of the signature of all things is that things in nature, plants in particular, are shaped or colored in a way to give a clue for human use. Like certain flowers look like the eye and therefore contain something that helps your eye. Something like that. The theory is basically discredited in the scientific community as superstition. And in the novel too, Alma doesn't believe in the theory. It suggests a kind of higher divine power giving humans a clue. So why name the novel for this concept that is discredited by so many thinkers? Of course Ambrose really believes in it, as do others that Alma respects. Are we supposed to change our mind about it? Are we supposed to reach a spiritual connection through the study of science?
*7. What do you make of all the research that must have gone into writing this novel, particularly the details relating to botany, evolutionary science, and historical figures? *
I really enjoyed it, and it made me really respect the novel and the author. I liked how so much information was woven into the story.
8. Why do you suppose there is such attention to Alma's evolving sensuality or sexuality? How does it function within the novel?
I'm not sure about this, but maybe there is something to be said about that innate desire for sex that drives life. In a novel that deals with evolution and natural selection and survival, it's not surprising that we are confronted with the character's irrepressible desire for sexual pleasure which would eventually lead to reproduction (if she hadn't been horribly mistaken in her marriage). It's interesting of course to contrast her with Ambrose who tries so hard to repress all sexual feelings, and hates himself for giving in.
9. What did you think of the characters in this novel -- who did you connect with? understand? care about? Anyone you felt disconnected or confused about?
I think Prudence is the only one who doesn't really feel real to me. Rita is really interesting though maybe too simplified -- do you think her mental illness is something that was always there? Or something that developed out of a neglected childhood or unhappy marriage?
10. Any additional thoughts? General reaction?
I just really enjoyed this novel. It wasn't just a good read. It really got me thinking.