What's surprising about the engagement of Theo and Kitsey? What does the china shopping tell you about their relationship? Does he seem to be in love as deeply as he says he is? Evidence?
Do you find it as odd as Theo does that Kitsey doesn't show sadness about Andy and her father's deaths?
On p. 524, the first full paragraph (A shot...) seems to be an important moment. How so? And how is that moment ruined in the next three pages?
Theo randomly runs into Boris for the first time in years. What is different about their interaction? What is the same?
As we read about Boris's life in the Polish bar, what hasn't changed with him? What significant changes do you see? What do you find surprising?
Why do you think it took Popchik to turn Boris's attitude around?
What is ironic about Boris's tattoos? How do they differ from one another?
How believable is Boris's initial story about the painting? Why is this such a betrayal to Theo even though he had stolen it himself? The allusion to Dr. No...is it significant here?
What does it say about Boris that he brought Popper back? How solid is his explanation for taking the painting? What is most believable about his explanation? What makes that part believable?
On p. 568, what is symbolic about Theo's knots and cuffs?
Characterize Horst...what type of person is he? Don't describe him...tell me what kind of person he is and how you came to that conclusion.
After Theo sees Tom Cable and Kitsey together, why does Theo seem so amazed that Kitsey is crying? Why do you think she's crying at that point?
Do you agree with Boris's assessment and advice about Kitsey on p. 594? How does it match up with Kitsey's assessment of their relationship?
In section xxiii of this chapter, Theo ties his situation with Kitsey into his situation with the painting. What is the connection? What brings this to mind for Theo?
How is the surprise appearance of Pippa ironic at this point in the story?
There is this undeniably deep connection between Theo and Pippa that is highlighted after the movie while they are talking at the restaurant. Why do you think Pippa doesn't seem to be romantically interested...or at least as interested as Theo?
At the party it becomes clear that Hobie knows Lucius and Havistock. Do you find this odd? Is it a coincidence that they are back in his life, if only on the periphery?
When leaving with Boris at the end of this section, there is a sense of finality in Theo's goodbyes to Hobie and Kitsey...and the absent Pippa. What makes it seem like such a final goodbye here?
After Theo sees Tom Cable and Kitsey together, why does Theo seem so amazed that Kitsey is crying? Why do you think she's crying at that point?
Do you agree with Boris's assessment and advice about Kitsey on p. 594? How does it match up with Kitsey's assessment of their relationship?
In section xxiii of this chapter, Theo ties his situation with Kitsey into his situation with the painting. What is the connection? What brings this to mind for Theo?
How is the surprise appearance of Pippa ironic at this point in the story?
There is this undeniably deep connection between Theo and Pippa that is highlighted after the movie while they are talking at the restaurant. Why do you think Pippa doesn't seem to be romantically interested...or at least as interested as Theo?
At the party it becomes clear that Hobie knows Lucius and Havistock. Do you find this odd? Is it a coincidence that they are back in his life, if only on the periphery?
When leaving with Boris at the end of this section, there is a sense of finality in Theo's goodbyes to Hobie and Kitsey...and the absent Pippa. What makes it seem like such a final goodbye here?
122 comments:
Kitsey hasn’t shown any emotion when it comes to Andy’s death and her father’s death, which Theo finds odd. I find is odd as well. Kitsey grew up with them in her life, and I’m sure she has good memories with them. Even if they weren’t super close, I’m sure she would show signs of grief. So I have to wonder why she doesn’t show any emotion. Does she grieve behind closed doors? Is she putting on a brave face? Or has enough time passed so that she still feels sad but doesn’t show it? These are the scenarios that I’ve come up with but it’s unclear what Kitsey actually feels.
I don't think that the engagement between Theo and Kitsey is too odd. Theo needs someone besides Pippa that he can associate himself with and Kitsey really just needs someone to call a husband so that her family can respect her. The china shopping showed that Theo is definitely not too happy with life in general. He is trying very hard to love Kitsey, however he is obviously not fully into her. He does want her to be happy, but he just doesn't seemed concerned with her life. You can tell Theo doesn't love her as much as he says by how much he drifts off into his own world. Also Theo drinks a lot to escape his reality. If Theo was as happy as he claims he is with Kitsey, then whey would he have to escape from that reality?
I don't think that it's weird that Kitsey doesn't appear saddened over the deaths in her family. Kitsey is the most shallow character I have ever read of in any book. The only reason Kitsey would have cared that her brother died would be if he died and lost her jewelry. She would have cared her father died if he would have died without giving her any inheritance. Kinsey doesn't care about anyone but herself. She's a terrible character and I doubt she would care if anyone died.
I do not think Kitsey is a shallow character, at the very least she is not the dumb self, absorbed witch that you,re implying her to be. I had read it as her being a kind, fun, yet extremely pragmatic person to be around.In the scene where Theo confronts her about Tom Cable she immediately is able to neutralize the situation long enough to explain how she and Theo are good for each other and why it would benefit them to stay together, that takes serious people skills. I had also assumed that her not breaking down and crying about the deaths was more a cold, conceal don't feel thing, that and they happened sometime ago so the wound has probably had a bit of time to heal. I thought of Theo and Kitsey's trip to the china ship as a good example of how he likes and dislikes spending time with her. He hates all the formal events and dinners that come with marrying into the upper-crust but deeply enjoys eating dinner with her, taking walks, simple, alone time stuff. which is why he's looking back on them fondly instead of thinking about the current situation.
I don't think that Kitsey isn't sad about her father and Andy's death because of the whole ordeal with her and Tom Cable and what Theo witnessed. To be frank, I think that Kitsey is hiding it from Theo because he lost both his parents and doesn't have a family, whereas she still has a family just without a dad and brother. I think she's hiding it because she wants to be strong for Theo. While this may seem a bit biased, Toddy did state that Ktisey was on antidepressants and felt guilty about asking Andy to go see their father instead. She never showed it in front of Theo because she knew that he already was messed up about him losing his parents. I don't think that Kitsey is being shallow for this reason, she wants to be strong for her husband to-be. Later, we see that Kitsey was crying with Tom Cable, probably because she felt guilty about that weekend. They were together when the accident happened and she was sharing her guilt with him, that was also the first time that Theo had ever seen Kitsey cry. If she was with Tom when the accident happened, he'd be the right person to comfort her and tell her that it wasn't her fault. Kitsey seems to be one of the most happiest characters in the book, so I don't think that she would be as shallow as to not be sad about her family members' death.
In a way, it is odd that Kitsey shows no sadness whatsoever about her brother and father’s death. Kitsey has always been self-involved and caring only about herself. She grew up in a wealthy atmosphere where every problem could be solved with money and this time that was not the case. I think in situations of sadness and hurt many people chose to look over the facts and busy themselves so that they do not have to face the reality of things. Later in the book, it talks about how Kitsey is always going to parties and group dinners and is never alone, this could be her way of avoiding the hurt. Another thought could be that she does grieve just on her own time out of the light of others, or faking her happiness until one day the hurt isn’t so prevalent and she is truly happy again. On the other hand, it could also be that she was not close to her brother and father and she is just self-absorbed. She is a difficult character to peg and figure out the motives for what she does.
Most of Boris’s life doesn’t surprise me, and it really hasn’t changed that much. He still travels and lives all over the world and makes a living using illegal methods. He also still lives a party-like lifestyle, filled with drugs and alcohol. Something significant that has changed, is Boris’s money situation. He’s able to pay for his lifestyle and doesn’t have to mooch off of anyone to do it. But one thing I find somewhat surprising is Boris’s family. They don’t fit into his character or lifestyle. Boris isn’t a family man; he’s a party guy. Supposedly, he has a wife and three kids who live in Sweden. But Theo says that they don’t look related at all. It makes me think that either Boris is lying to Theo or Boris’s wife is cheating on him. But most of his life seems like typical Boris.
I do find it odd that Kitsey doesn't show any sadness when Andy and his dad die. Maybe not as odd at Theo does but its a little odd. People handle death in different ways and maybe she is just one of those people that simply just doesn't show their sadness because it embarrasses them. I would of thought she would of express her grief to Theo at least because maybe he would of be able to understand because he lost his mother but I guess she maybe likes to keep it bottled up.
I find Theo and Kitsey's engagement surprising because I he is still obsessed with Pippa. He states "For years I'd been wallowing in a hot house of sorrow: Pippa Pippa Pippa, exhilaration and despair." (Page 509). Theo does not care what china they get he lets Kitsey pick it out. It sort of symbolizes that he doesnt really care about their relationship and just kinda goes with what ever happens between them. I don't think he loves her as deeply as he says because he is definitely not over Pippa and he just doesn't seem to care as much as he claims.
Everyone handles death differently. In fact some don’t even see death as a tragedy but yet another stage after life. Theo obviously had a hard time coping with death, but a part of that had to do with his young age. Personally I believe that Kitsey just had a different view on her father and brother’s deaths. I also think that because she was older than Theo was when his mother died that it was easier for her to accept her losses. It isn’t fair to compare how people cope with the losses of their loved ones lives when everyone has different perspectives of death. Some people have a harder time dealing with the emotional trauma of loss than others.
There is no doubt that Pippa and Theo connect on a level that is beyond friendship. They both went through incredibly difficult experiences that left them scarred. Theo is in love with her but it’s only a one way street. For Pippa, I think she sees Theo as someone who understands her through and through. He has been a support for her and the only person who knows the pain and suffering she’s been through. She can relate to him and he can relate to her, and when she needs to talk about her past he’s the one that she knows would truly understand. I think that Pippa doesn’t have those romantic feelings for Theo because her knowing Theo comes from a childhood tragedy. She can’t be in love with someone who every time she looks at reminds her of the bombing. While Theo clings on to his love for Pippa, she wants nothing more but to move on from such a hard time in her life. She appreciates and loves her deep friendship with Theo, but knows deep in her heart that she can’t feel the same way about him as he does about her.
The sudden appearance of Pippa is ironic because she showed up right as Theo was giving up on her. Theo thought the he would finally move on from his hot house of despair, but it seems as though he will be trapped there forever. Theo loves Pippa, but he knows he will never have her. It is also ironic the way that Pippa reacts to the news of his engagement. There is a definite sense of surprise, and even some sadness when I read of her reaction. Maybe Pippa feels the same way that Theo does, but Theo just can't catch the right signals. Maybe the timing will just never be right for them. Either way Pippa's appearance throws a wrench into everything Theo had planned.
Theo’s engagement to Kitsey was not shocking. When Theo reconnected with the Barbour’s there was hints in the reading that they would be together. The fact that Mrs. Barbour saw Theo as her son was a big hint. Their relationship is more of a settlement though. Theo isn’t all in and obviously still has immense feelings for Pippa. As much as he tries to love Kitsey like he should, he just can’t and that makes him unhappy. Everybody supports and loves their engagement except Theo, and Kitsey is completely okay with that. They get engaged for the wrong reasons. Instead of being married to the people they are in love with, they settle for each other in a mutual agreement.
I agree with Boris's assessment and advice about Kitsey on p. 594 because he made their relationship seem less than what it truly is. Boris's and Kitsey's assessments of their relationship are similar because they both conclude with the idea that they're great for/with each other. The big part of Boris's advice that I find intriguing is when he says, "Stay away from the ones you love too much. Those are the ones who will kill you. What you want to live and be happy in the world is a woman who has her own life and lets you have yours" (p.594). The main reason I find it so interesting is because it makes sense that you can do things separately; for example, you both can go to work during the day and then return home later and be together. I might be misreading his advice, but it seems to be that you live your lives around each other.
Horst seems to be a mix of Hobie and Jerome. He's similar to Hobie because he likes the fineness of the art that he has, which is like how Hobie likes the character of the pieces he has. The only reason Horst is similar to Jerome is because they both dealt with drugs, otherwise I wouldn't say that they're anywhere close to being similar. Even though Boris trusts Horst, I don't think it would be entirely safe to put your trust in him. From what he knew about the art that he had it was very similar to how Hobie knew who crafted the originals.
It took Popchik to turn Boris's attitude around because it took him back to Las Vegas when him and Theo would enjoy each other's company. Besides Popchik making him think back to when he was younger, Boris petting Popchik could help him relieve stress and in turn made his attitude change. Kitsey not showing her sadness about Andy and her father's deaths is very strange and I would say that I find it as odd as Theo does since she doesn't shed a tear around him. The reason it's so odd is because most people would be sad about a close family member dying.
I was really surprised by Theo and Kitsey getting engaged. It's not really a bad pairing, it just surprised me how the author just dropped it on the readers so quickly. Kitsey didn't care for Theo when they were kids so I was a surprised that they had gotten together, but she later explains why she wasn't receptive of him when they were kids and it all made sense to me. They both kinda need someone, especially Theo, as he needs to have something to either distract him from Pippa or something to help him get over her. Other than the fact that it happened so quickly I don't think their engagement was surprising.
I honestly don't find Kitsey's lack of sadness about the deaths of Andy and her father. Some people deal with sadness/grief in different ways. She may grieve in private away from Theo and others because she wants people to still see her as the happy/bubbly person that she normally is. She could grieve with others and still keep that image, but for some reason she probably believes that she cannot show her sadness to others. She especially hides it from Theo, I agree with what Julie said, that she's hiding it from him because he's lost both his parents and she doesn't want to burden him with her sadness too.
I don't think that Kitsey doesn't show sadness because she is shallow. I think for one she knows that Theo lost both his parents and she was there for when his mother died, and she probably doesn't want to make Theo feel bad for her because of that. Another thing is she is surrounded by people whos lives are destroyed by sadness. Her mother is completely lost, so is Platt and she saw how Theo was when his mother died so maybe she is trying to avoid it so that she doesn't get consumed by sadness.
At first I was very surprised to read that Tom Cable (Theo's friend that didn't give any compassion after the death of Theo's mother) was with Kitsey while she was crying. But then I thought about it and it makes sense. The weekend Andy and Mr. Barbour died, was the weekend that Kitsey and Tom were together at a party. This gave them a special bond, just like how Theo felt with Pippa. Theo is surprised to see Kitsey crying because he has never seen her cry before and they were engaged. She never even cried when her father and brother died. I think that she was crying because she was trying to end things with Tom. She told Theo, "...it's rough to be in love with the wrong person", wrong person, meaning Tom Cable.
The engagement of Theo and Kitsey came as a complete shock to me. They just don't seem like the right fit for each other. Later I came to realize it is all for show. Kitsey is showing her family that she can choose the right guy and make her mother happy. I believe Theo agreed because he wants to appear normal. He doesnt want to be remember as the kid who lost his mom and screwed up his life. This engagement is a way for him to appear put together. While shopping for China Theo was very bored and just wanted to leave the shop as soon as possible. However there is a lot of symbolize in the idea of shopping for China. You buy China to put in a glass case and take it out to use to impress others. This is exactly how I envision Theo and Kitsey's relationship. They are doing this not for themselves but for other people.
Boris hasn’t changed a bit, despite not seeing Theo for years. In Las Vegas, the two lived as a combined unit. They shared their homes, their food, their tricks, their drugs, and secrets without even having to ask. Theo even pointed out that even when he knew Boris had taken money, a few days later the same amount or more would be slipped wordlessly into a pocket somewhere. Even though Boris knows that Theo is furious at him for taking the painting, he still cares enough to take action and bring Popper back. The loyalty from Las Vegas hasn’t faded. The mindset hadn’t either. Boris admits that he just switched the painting and the civics book as a joke. This is believable because Boris doesn’t really accept consequences, he just rolls with whatever life throws at him. In that way, everything is a joke to Boris.
From a psychological standpoint, I don't find Kitsey's lack of obvious sadness odd. After all, Platt mentioned her using antidepressants and how difficult things have been for her, and although I don't see him as the most trusting of characters, there doesn't seem to be any reason to lie to Theo about that. People cope very differently when faced with loss. I can see Kitsey doing her best to put on a brave face in spite of everything that has happened to her, especially when Mrs. Barbour herself has been so affected by the deaths of Mr. Barbour and Andy. While she may not express sorrow around Theo or her friends, I don't think that's good reasoning to assume Kitsey doesn't feel anything at all. Theo tends to wear how he feels on his sleeve, which is why her restraint must seem "odd" to him.
I think it took Popchik to change Boris's attitude because the dog is basically an artifact of their friendship back in Vegas. At first, when Boris was acting suspicious, I couldn't figure out why, and I didn't until Boris reveals to Theo that he had the painting all along. My interpretation was that Boris thought Theo was going to take him to the big ball of duct tape that the painting had been in and confront him about stealing it. Dogs have a magical, contagious friendliness that people can't resist, so this and all of their memories together from Vegas show Boris that Theo isn't mad at him.
At first I did find it odd that Kitsey wasn't phased by her brother's and father's deaths. After all, not just anyone can be a father or a brother, and anyone who held such titles would have to be pretty special to the person in question. However, as I kept reading and internalizing Kitsey's character, I think I finally understood why Kitsey didn't seem sad. Growing up in a rich family where her parents were more enveloped in social status and press coverage than with their own children, it's easy to see how Kitsey didn't form a strong relationship with her father. Additionally, growing up all Kitsey mostly did was fight with Andy or ask him for things. Andy only hung out with Theo unless he had to hang out with someone else, and the same is true for Toddy and Kitsey. Her childhood led Kitsey to become very isolated and even on the verge on emotionless. So, taking all these factors into consideration, it's easy to understand Kitsey and her feelings toward her brother's and father's death.
I believe that Kitsey doesn't show sadness because she knows it won't help anything. Her denial may come off as cold-hearted but it's really a matter of perspective. She's surrounded by people who have been destroyed by grief itself and it's not a pretty sight. Her experience from watching others grieve over loved ones makes her want to oppress the sadness and focus on just living on. She also probably wants to help Theo to be happy too.
"A shot of Johnnie Walker Black, for my dad. Two shots maybe. Why not?" (pg. 524). For a fraction of a second, Theo almost resorted back to his (and his father's) way of dealing with life- alcohol. "The dark recess of the bar looked warm, comradely, that sentimental boozy aura that made you forget for a moment who you are. . ." (524). Theo was drawn toward the bar, knowing that what he craved was just a minute to forget about what havoc was going on around him. But in this moment he denies himself of that relief and walks away. This moment is ruined in just a few pages with the reemergence of Boris. Boris who had hooked him to a life of drugs and alcohol. Boris (along with Theo's father) who had reinforced the credibility that those substances could drive away the suffering. After leading a somewhat cleaner lifestyle in New York (as compared to that in Las Vegas), Theo is once again caught up with the antics and dealings of Boris.
Theo's and Kitsey's engagement is incredibly surprising considering the kind of relationship they had in the past. Theo always seemed to be annoyed by her presence while she also seemed annoyed when he was around Andy. Their relationship certainly doesn't seem equal in any sense, with Kitsey displaying much more emotion than Theo does when the two are around each other. When they are china shopping Theo seems very apathetic about what they are choosing, and almost begins to fully realize what he has gotten himself into. Theo seems to constantly display a hint of doubt regarding his engagement to Kitsey as if he has a bit of regret at all times. Kitsey on the other hand does not seem the least bit worried about their relationship, yet she probably should.
Theo's run in with Boris is incredibly different from when the two greeted each other in the past, and just shows how both of them had changed since their last time together. Boris now seems to exert a new type of professionalism that he definitely did not have before, and has a more serious demeanor. Theo, on the other hand, seems to be even more depressed and distraught than he was before. Yet while their interaction is vastly different then when they were younger, and displays how much the two of them have changed, there are certain things that have remained the same. The same jokes are passed back and forth, and the same level of friendship is apparent in them. Boris still calls Theo "Potter" and Theo's responses to Boris' jabs have not changed much since they were kids. Their old personalities begin to creep through during their first interaction, something both of them had not seen in a while.
It is actually very obvious why Kitsey is crying at that point in the novel, she is about to be married to Theo, the events of the wedding are closely approaching and she feels trapped. I personally believe she has always loved Tom Cable, but she wants to please her family more. She knows that Theo was well liked among the family and Tom was not, the Barbour’s just want what is best for their daughter but they do not know her true feelings. Theo describes the scene, “…for even in her sadness her joy in him, and his in her, was undisguisable. Any stranger on the street could have seen it.” (591). Often, we only show our true emotions to the ones that we care the most about, yes, Kitsey does care about Theo and I believe she does love him, but not in the way she does Tom. She loves Tom but knows that they simply cannot be together and for that reason she is crying.
When Theo is at the party, he does make his goodbye’s to Hobie and Kitsey seem very final and permanent. When Kitsey asks when Theo will return, he says soon in a manner that he is actually very unsure of when “soon” will be. He also tells her, “Look after yourself. And keep this Havistock out of your mother’s house” (637). Then, he goes and tells Hobie he is leaving, which Hobie finds surprising and automatically thinks that there is something wrong. After he tells Hobie goodbye, he shook his hand and then goes on to say, “..(which was not something I ordinarily did) and leaving him to stare after me in some perplexity” (637). Finally, he searches for Pippa and when she is nowhere to be found he waits a few minutes until Boris pulls him away. What makes these conversations seem like such a final goodbye to me is that they are all very short, and not very personal. Theo knows that an adventure is coming and he doesn’t know what it will bring, or if he will ever return, I’m sure he had many different emotions happening. Making them personal such as an “I love you” would have maybe made them all think that something was really wrong, and also sometimes those things are just too hard to say and he felt it was easier to not say them. So instead, he told Pippa to take care of herself, shook Hobie’s hand, and waited extra long trying to catch Pippa before he left, all of these things something he typically maybe would not do.
I find it incredibly odd that Kitsey doesn't show any sign of sadness towards the death of Andy. Maybe she keeps her emotions bottled up air tight, If that is the case then we have a break down incoming. She needs to vent about it sooner or later other wise it might get to her. Unless she actually does not care for the life of other humans in which case her reaction is then completely normal.
I don't think Kitsey doesn't show sadness because she is a shallow person. I think that she grew up around so much sadness that she has seen how it can destroy people and so she has learned to keep it in. She has seen how it has effected Theo at such a young age, and then her siblings and mother later on as well. Whatever sadness she would normally talk about, she probably wouldn't feel comfortable talking to Theo about anyway because she realizes that he has lost so much more than her and in such a faster amount of time. Not only would she feel guilty or selfish talking about her own sadness to Theo, but she also probably feels as if she is one of the few happy parts of his life and doesn't want to mess that up for him either.
I agree with Jacob Wexler about Pippa. She showed up when Theo was loosing hope that she would come around again. She sucked him back in, Theo loves her but that is not reciprocated back to him. Pippa will lead Theo down a bad road from which he wont return. She gives him false hope that one day they will be together, which is not helping Theo move on with his life to better things. I just hope that one day he will get his stuff together and move on.
Theo and Kitsey's engagement is a shock for a number of reasons. First of all, Kitsey had always taken little interest in Theo, and she hated having him in their house in his time of need. Also, they are completely different people. This is reflected while they are shopping for china. Kitsey continuously picks out gaudy china and Theo wants the simple ones. Kitsey believes a china set is what truly defines a couple and Theo is disgusted that someone would spend thousands of dollars on plates. I also found it odd that the author just threw in the fact that Kitsey and Theo had gotten engaged as if it didn't matter much. That said a lot about their relationship to me.
At first, I didn't see very much symbolism in Theo's knots and cuffs, but a second look has showed me I was wrong. Theo states, "...and (I noticed) one of my cuffs wasn't done up properly. Moreover the knots I'd chosen weren't even a matched pair..." The improperly-done cuff parallels Theo's attempts to recover from his disastrous younger years; it is implying that his life, despite its normal appearance, is still quite a mess. The mismatched knots bolster that implication, indicating that Theo is using the wrong method and/or combination of methods to release the weight of his grief and obsessions. Theo tends to "solve" his problems with temporary fixes; he turns to drugs and alcohol to relieve his feelings of suffering, and he admittedly has gotten involved with Kitsey for the almost-sole purpose of forcing himself to get over Pippa. At first, things seem to go well; the drugs induce relaxed happiness, and Theo feels overjoyed at his engagement with Kitsey. Later on, however, the effects die. The drugs wear off, as does Theo's overwhelming, Kitsey-induced exhilaration. Theo admits the failure of his engagement to serve its purpose ("I wasn't over Pippa and I knew it"), and his unsuccessful attempt to leave drugs behind states an obvious fact: they have not done a thing to help him, either. Instead of actually learning to control his jumbled feelings and emotions, Theo consistently chooses merely to trick himself into thinking he is doing so; these actions, while seeming for a time to have worked, really have gotten him nowhere.
I think that the engagement between Theo and Kitsey was forced. It never really seems like Kitsey is truly in love with Theo. Mrs. Barbour was very fond of Theo and Kitsey knew that. Kitsey was never the favorite in the family and once her father and Andy passed away, she chose to take that position by pleasing her mom. She was in love with Cable, but forced the issue with Theo to make her mom happy. It’s surprising that Theo went along with it, yet I understand that he just wanted to love someone as much as he loved his mom. I think a big issue with the engagement was that Kitsey didn’t appreciate the emerald earrings as much as someone truly in love with Theo would. The China shopping just continues to show how fake their relationship really is. Kitsey is really interested in all the pieces and Theo just seems irritated and annoyed because he doesn’t care. It was really obvious that he was never deeply in love with Kitsey because he was never enthusiastic about all the dates and parties; he only went to distract himself from everything.
I think that Boris’s assessment of Kitsey is completely accurate. Theo discovers his fiancé, supposedly the love of his life, with another guy and doesn’t freak out. He isn’t even depressed about the idea of Kitsey loving Cable and not himself. The hardly seems phased by the idea of Kitsey falling for another man. Why should he? He himself is in love with another woman; he was only marrying Kitsey because he couldn’t have Pippa. Boris’s statement matches with Kitsey’s assessment of their relationship because Kitsey admits that they simply make a good match and that “Mommy” is so thrilled. Never once does Kitsey or Theo go into depth about her dying love for the other. Theo and Kitsey didn’t really love each other in the way a real couple should.
On the topic of Theo and Kitsey's engagement, I think the biggest surprise to be had about it is that it was written to be a surprise. After all, Tartt spends an oftentimes daunting amount of the book establishing people and relationships, such as Theo's connection to Andy, Mrs. Barbour, Hobie, Boris, and many other characters in his life. They are all given paragraphs upon paragraphs of scenes together to help us understand what each individual person means to Theo, and no matter how tiring that can be to read, it gives us a good idea of what importance everyone has on each other in the novel. Kitsey is someone that, prior to now, we only learn about through her being a child nuisance or others talking about her. Theo would make occasional mentions of her, such as when she answered the phone on him, but there is never any obvious connection between them. Their sudden engagement is shocking for that reason—uncharacteristically, Tartt rushes us into the moment with little background information (although Theo eventually begins to supply some once the shock wears off). We're told that Theo has feelings for her, but the entire affair is meant to feel awkward and detached from the rest of the book because it's so unlike anything we've read thus far. They both have their suffering to unite them, as well as Mrs. Barbour, but in my opinion there really isn't much else. Kitsey herself makes mention that they're good for each other—a perfect, logical match—and I think that's what they always have been. Even in the beginning, it was a partnership made more by brain than by anything else.
I think Kitsey was affected by the death of her brother and father, just not in a way most people would be. She grew up in a shallow life, but I dont think she intentionally lets that define her. She wasn't close with her father as he was more consumed with social affairs and status than he was his family. As for her relationship with her brother, it was more of a taking relationship where she only used him to get things. Thats just the relationship with him she was used to. Everyone in her life seemed to be worn down by sadness, so maybe she just found it best to put on a straight face and ignore the pain to not end up like those around her. I don't think she is as shallow as everyone thinks, I just think she is dealing with death differently than the others.
I don't think that Theo and Kitsey being engaged is all that strange. They basically grew up really close, even though they weren't very fond of each other when they were younger. So Theo had to find someone other than Pippa, which is hard with how obsessed he is with her. Theo doesn't get out a lot so it would be hard for him to find someone by just randomly meeting them. Also he has personal problems from his parents and Kitsey is the only one who really understands that. From what I can tell Theo isn't completely happy with the relationship. He always zones out and doesn't put a lot of effort into what he does and how he talks to Kitsey, I think its because hes not fully in love with her.
I think that Pippa is not the least bit romantically interested in Theo because she connects Theo to the tragedy at the museum. I feel like she wants to distance herself from everything to do with the museum bombing. Hence, why she stayed in Europe. She even said herself at one point that she would come back to New York City to live if she did not have Post Traumatic Stress Disorder, which caused her to have high anxiety in crowds and tight places. However, Theo sees this bombing as a sort of connection that they share and how they overcame their fears and lived through the experience together. I feel like this perturbs Pippa and makes her interest in him wain.
I think it's odd that Kitsey doesn't show sadness about Andy and her father's death. I believe that she is shallow but I think she is not one to dwell on the past. But Theo; he dwells on the past everyday. He's constantly thinking about the painting or his mother's death. In his mind he wouldn't understand how Kitsey wouldn't care as much as he would. He tries to move on, but has a much deeper and darker mind than Kitsey. In my opinion, Kitsey doesn't care enough and Theo cares too much. They are an interesting couple, to say the least.
I don't think much has changed about Boris' life. He still uses and sells a lot of drugs, and lives pretty much surrounded by drugs and alcohol. Now Boris seems happier though and more in control of his life. Boris doesn't need to steal from other people and fight his way through life. Now he seems more comfortable and a little better of a person.
I agree with Jacob that the Pippa showing up is quite odd for the situation. Kitsey and Theo are getting married, although Theo is truly in love with Pippa. Now that Pippa is there she can see that Theo is down with her since nothing was ever 100% solid with them. Also I agree that Theo has no idea whether or not that Pippa has the same feelings that he has for her.
As mentioned above, Kitsey does not show any grieving emotions towards Andy's and her father's deaths. I agree with Chris when he said that people grieve in different ways, and that you don't know what they do or how they feel behind closed doors. I like to think that Kitsey allowed herself to grieve when she was alone, because, after all, she lost her brother and her father, who are major people in her life, even if she didn't want them to be. Also, maybe Kitsey is trying to put on a brave face and appear strong to other people so that she doesn't receive unwanted sympathy. Even though Theo finds her stoic display odd, I decided that it was her natural reaction, a type of defense mechanism, and that Kitsey is grieving how she needs to (if at all).
I did in fact find it strange that Kitsey does not show sadness over Andy's death and her fathers death. Maybe not as odd as Theo, but odd nonetheless. Even though, as Chris said, that people handle death in different ways I still find it a little odd that she showed no emotion whatsoever. In my opinion, Kitsey does not care enough about her family.
I think that Theo's and Kitsey's engagments wasn't a shock. I believe that when Mrs. Barbour reffered Theo as a son it forshadowd the engagement. Kitsey's Family loved Theo and they were for the engagement, and so was Kitsey becasue She would havee a husband to gain her family's respect. Although, Theo wasn't happy because he loved Pippa, but there engagement was a settlement that they mutually excepted. They get engaged for the wrong reasons but it didn't come as a shock. The China shop actually showed us there differences. It shows how unhappy Theo is for life.
I belive that Kitseys is crying for very obvious reasons. She is about to get married to Theo! She loves Tom cable and as the wedding is fast approaching she is hit with her feelings for Tom. Although she loves Tom, She wants to please her family more. Her family loves Theo and they want whats best for her, but they don't realize whats best for her is to be with who shes loves. Her family doesn't understand her true feelings though. In conclusion, she is crying because she loves Tom but she has to marry Theo for the wrong reasons.
I really don't find it odd that Kitsey shows lack of emotion about the deaths of Andy and her father. I notice that some people said that she was just a self-aborbed person and all she cared about was herself. In a way that could be a reason for her lack of emotions with the deaths, but i believe thats just her way of dealing with death. I agree with many when they say that everyone deals with death differently. Obviously Theo was young when he experienced death and thats why it affects him more, but I also believe that Kitsey doesn't want to show the sadness to Theo because she belives he had worse. I also agree with Theo when he sadi that Theo(character in book) cares to much while Kitsey doesn't care enough.
The engagement itself isn't surprising, its how fast it came about. Theo was in the city for eight years and never saw any of the Barbours. This was until he ran into Platt Barbour, and saw the entire family again. Theo and Kitsey only "dated" for a couple of months before they announced the wedding proposal to Mrs. Barbour. The china shopping tells us just how fragile their relationship is. There not living together, and have very poor communication between them. One wrong move and everything will fall apart, which it eventually does. Theo may say he is in love with Kitsey, but he isn't. There is to much uncertainty with their engagement including lies, cheating, and ignoring the other one. There is also the fact the Theo is always thinking about Pippa, and the life he wants to share with her.
I agree with the above comments about Kitsey, and her lack of emotions toward the death of her father and Andy. I feel as though she showed no emotion because she had to be strong for her mother. I also agree as other people have mentioned about her being strong for Theo. Obviously we know that he had it much worse, and Kitsey feels for Theo in terms of that situation, but I still find it odd that she shows little to no emotion.
Theo and Kitsey's engagement caught me by surprise, mostly because of how fast everything happened. Theo does like Kitsey but not enough for marriage; he just wants to see her and Mrs. Barbour happy. After seeing Mrs. Barbour's reaction when she heard the wedding news, Theo knew he had to marry Kitsey. The china shopping shows us how Theo finds the wedding preparations annoying unlike Kitsey. Despite how much he says he loves Kitsey, Theo is really just doing this to move on. He knows he can't be stuck on obsessing over Pippa for the rest of his life. We can tell Theo isn't as deeply in love with Kitsey as he says he is because of the huge difference between the way he talks about Pippa and the way he talks about Kitsey. Pippa was always described with beautiful word choice unlike Kitsey's description. Also, at one point, Theo says, "...I kept saying, in my affable new talking-to-Kitsey voice..." which shows us that he acts differently when around Kitsey. I see this wedding as a good but not a from-the-heart attempt for Theo to move on in life.
The surprise appearance of Pippa at this point in the story is ironic. I believe this because as stated above, Theo was just starting to give up on her. He knows in his mind that he loves her, but he is unsure of her feelings towards him. Although Pippa is fully aware of Theo's feelings toward her. This is ironic in the story because it's almost wedding time for Theo and Kitsey.
The paragraph on page 524 was a very important one, but somehow contradicts over time. Theo is reminiscing on when his father would drink his days away and then steps into a bar himself. I believe Theo wanted to forget a lot, especially from this quote "that sentimental boozy aura that made you forget for a moment who you were and how you'd ended up there" pg. 524. Then it explains that Theo left and later says "I'd thought, having successfully escaped the bar, I might see a movie-" pg. 524. This shows the struggle Theo felt with leaving behind that shot of alcohol.
However, as hard as it was for Theo to not drink, he sure put that thought beside him when he was around groups of people. The pages following describe a man who isn't a social drinker, but social alcoholic. Theo even mentioned how his father drank to escape reality, while he is indeed falling into that trap himself.
As a person who reads into situations far too much, I did find it just as odd that Kitsey shows no emotion over and Andy and Mr. Barbour's death. As strange as I found it, I never truly questioned it. People behave differently in any given situation than another would. I think Kitsey's emotional detachment is a front she bares to protect Theo from even greater hurt. She feels sorry for releasing her sadness on somebody who has already suffered so much in life. Another logical reason that did not come to mind until Kitsey's affair with Tom Cable is revealed, is that she finds a much greater comfort and trust in Tom than in Theo. With those you truly love, a vulnerability is established between the two, one that Kitsey only shows with Tom the night Theo sees her crying. There is a cliche saying, "opposites attract", which I think perfectly captures how Theo and Kitsey ended up together. Theo, the depressed orphan who could never truly let go of his mother; and Kitsey, the bubbly child who moved on with her life following the deaths of her loved ones.
I do find it odd that Kitsey doesn't show emotion about Andy and her father’s deaths. Kitsey is a self-involved person, but that doesn't excuse the fact that she never shows any type of remorse around Theo. Mrs. Barbour has the opposite reaction to the deaths as she is always mourning over them. Her personality and lifestyle changes completely. Kitsey may show feelings when alone, or just found other ways to cope with it. This doesn't explain why she doesn't talk to her fiancée about it. Theo not only knew Andy and his father, but also lived with the entire family for multiple months.
Since Theo is missing stability in his life he truly thinks that Kitsey and himself are in love. When Theo sees Kitsey crying which he had never seen before he realizes that their relationship is not true love but more a relationship of convince. The reader is lead to believe that Kitsey is crying because she is going to marry Theo who she isn’t in love with and she will be separated from the one she truly loves, Tom Cable.
Theo sees his fiancée and a childhood a bully together. Two nights before the engagement party of Kitsey and himself. Kitsey is crying, which is something Theo has never seen Kitsey do before. Theo is amazed at the fact of Kitsey showing emotion at all, because he has never seen it himself. He always saw a happy, cheerful Kitsey. At this point in the novel, everyone knows about Theo and Kitsey's engagement. Mrs. Barbour is happy that they’re getting married, as she feels Theo is a perfect fit for her daughter. My theory is that Kitsey is crying because of the upcoming marriage to Theo. She doesn't love Theo, and if she does, she loves Tom Cable more. Her marriage to Theo is depressing and she goes to the person she really wants to marry. Obviously, Kitsey can't marry Tom as she is engaged to Theo, and Tom bullied Andy in school when they were children.
Pippa's surprise visit to New York is ironic at this point in the novel because she happens to fly in days before the engagement party of Theo and Kitsey. It is obvious that Theo loves Pippa more then he loves Kitsey, during the entire time of their engagement. It is also ironic that Pippa comes just as Theo finds Kitsey cheating on him with Tom Cable. It’s very possible that Donna Tartt brought Pippa back know to show the readers that Theo and Kitsey were marrying the wrong people. Unfortunately, we know that Pippa does not have the same feelings for Theo as he does for her.
With the engagement, I found it surprising that the author made it between Theo and Kitsey. I would have thought it would be Pippa; at the same time I realized why it was this way. Theo needed to get out and become familiar with more people, and Kitsey needed a husband in order to gain respect from her family. While they're china shopping, it becomes evident that Theo isn't entirely in love with Kitsey but honestly wants the best for her. Theo often drifted away from the conversation and experience while shopping for the china.
The moment the reader meets Lucius and Havistock they seem to be on a personal vendetta against Hobie for some reason. As a result when Hobie reviles the history between himself and them it becomes clear that Lucius and Havistock seem to want to bring Hobie’s business down. Lucius and Havistock seemed to be trying to find dirt on Hobie. When Theo began to sell the counterfeit antiques and seem to be in possession the stolen painting it was perfect timing for Lucius and Haveistock to get their revenge against Hobie.
I do find it odd that Kitsey doesn't show any sign of grief about Andy and her father's deaths. But I believe it to be a sign of denial. My best guess is because she is around so many people trying to cope with the situation, she doesn't want to be seen in the same state of depression as them. She wants to keep a brave face and be there for her family and friends.
After Mr. Barbour and Andy die, Kitsey shows no sign of grief or sadness concerning their loss. This baffles me like it does Theo. Personally family is the most important thing to me and I would be lost without any one of my family members. To see Kitsey not ever talk about her father and brother dying is unusual and a bit weird. Most people would be depressed or sad, but Kitsey just brushes it off and pretends like nothing is wrong. Honestly though, I think that Kitsey is just putting on a brave face. She is trying to stay strong for Platt, Theo, and mostly her mother. Everyone else is sad and grieving and she just puts on a happy face and continues with her life. Inside though I think she is very angry and sad that this happened and she is just scared to show her emotions and tell others how she actually feels.
When Theo randomly runs into Boris one day he is completely shocked to see his old best friend again. This really takes him by surprise. Last time they were together they were always goofing off, partying and getting into trouble. Boris didn't always bring out the best in Theo. This time around, they are both all grown up. Boris has a job and is actually much more professional than before and more focused and has a wife. Theo is now engaged to Kitsey and is working in an antique store with Hobie. Theo seems to be going down hill compared to Boris. He is currently depressed and fighting his drug addictions and feels lost and unhappy. Boris on the other hand seems to be doing alright with where he is right now in life. At the same time despite everything that has changed between the two old friends, they still joke like they used to and play around. They are so happy to see each other and they talk about old times. Boris even still calls Theo "Potter" like he always did when they were kids.
I don't think that it's surprising that Theo and Kitsey are engaged. It definetley is the most logical thing for the both of them. Theo needs someone emotionally stable like Kitsey, as opposed to someone like Pippa. Kitsey chose Theo to please her mother. I think they both care for each other, but I think that they're following their brains instead of following their hearts. From the china shopping, you learn how unhappy Theo is and it shows how Kitsey is more obsessed with the idea of a wedding, rather than the love between them.
Kitsey and Theo's engagement definitely caught me by surprise because first of all it happened so quickly in the context of the story, like one second he had just been reunited with the Barbers and then the next second he was engaged to Kitsey. It also seemed surprising because Theo clearly wasn't over Pippa yet as we could tell with his jealous treatment of her boyfriend and even after he's engaged to Kitsey he still shows obsessive behaviors towards Pippa when she is around him. All in all I think that his relationship with Kitsey is much more of an analytical move to keep everybody else happy than to be happy himself. These are the type of things that compound his stress and eventually lead to his suicide attempt.
Theo and Kitsey's engagement comes as a shock to me. I never pictured Theo with someone like Kitsey. He never mentioned earlier in the book to ever being attracted to her in any way. She was always so much younger than him and often found as annoying. I also find it surprising because I always figured that if he was to start a relationship with someone it would be Pippa. He seemed to be madly in love with her almost to the point of obsession and I never pictured him dating, let alone marrying anyone else. When they are talking about the china Kitsey asks Theo what he likes, which ones are better and all of these questions, and Theo honestly could care less. I think that this shows that he isn't truly in love with Kitsey like he ever was with Pippa. It seems to me that he is going to marry her because he feels lonely and there is no one else out there for him at the moment.
Theo and Kitsy’s engagement is surprising because I would’ve thought Theo would view Kitsy as more of a sister than a lover, having grown up with her. He is obviously not as deeply in love as he claims to be, because he could really care less about the little things with her, something that was the complete opposite for Pippa. Boris taking the painting from Theo is such a betrayal even though he stole it in the first place because it was like the last piece of his mother he had left. I disagree with Boris’ analysis of Theo and Kitsy because I don’t think someone should settle like that.
Theo and Kitsey's an engagement was not at all surprising. The china shopping reveals that Theo isn't invested in their relationship. He has no opinion of anything in the shop, and just wants Kitsey to get whatever she wants. Their engagement isn't because they are truly in love, it's based off making Mrs. Barbour happy and an attempt for both of them to feel less lonely. After Theo realized that he will never end up with Pippa, he knew he wanted to find someone to fill the void. He was heartbroken, and Kitsey was someone who was apart of his childhood that he was desperately trying to prolong.
At first I thought it was very weird that Kitsey was not more distraught over the deaths of her brother and father. Most relationships with someone's brother and father are very special and strong. As you read on, you come to understand that Kitsey was not phased by the death's of her family members because she never developed those relationships. She grew up in a wealthy home where the family bond was not exactly close. The lack of love and closeness in Kitsey's family desensitized her and made her unemotional.
The engagement of Kitsey and Theo isn't necessarily odd to me, I suppose it's something I could have seen coming. She was the snarky little girl who was really just trying to get attention from Theo when they were younger so it seems to be plausible that they end up together. However, Theo just isn't fully committed to their relationship. He seems to go with the flow with whatever makes Kitsey happy. While shopping for their china he tended to drift away. Another reason you can tell that Theo isn't fully involved in the engagement is the author basically just put it out there that they were engaged. There wasn't an explanation of the moments leading up to it, only that they had been spending more time together after they had reunited and then they're all of a sudden engaged and there didn't seem to be a spark or any real excitement when reading about the two of them.
Boris and Theo are living very different lives. I would've never pictured Boris being the one to get married and have children. I always assumed Boris would never settle down, and just follow in the footsteps of his father. Boris hasn't changed much, he treats life like a huge joke without consequences, just like when he stole the painting from Theo. Their interaction was similiar to how it used to be years ago, because Boris still calls Theo "Potter" and they still joke around like old times.
I do find it odd that Kitsey showed no sadness about Andy and her father's death. While everyone copes with death differently, one would think that Theo could be there person that Kitsey would feel the most comfort in showing raw sadness to, but that is not the case. She doesn't speak of either of their deaths and simply ignores that it happens, that's what I perceive at least. I do agree with others who have mentioned that Kitsey is too shallow to really care unless it were something of real value to her. She is filled with self absorption. I think that Kitsey puts off that shallow personality as a way of covering up and avoiding how much certain things really affect her, but she's a people pleaser and wants to uphold an image of not letting "petty" things phase her.
Theo and Kitsey do not seem to be that deeply in love. During the China shopping, Kitsey tries to get Theo involved, but he doesn't care at all. He just sits there and says she can get whatever. Theo is still in love with Pippa and he can't stop thinking of her. He doesn't think about Kitsey this way. Theo and Kitsey are together because "it's what is best for them." In addition, Theo and Kitsey are together because the idea of their marriage makes Kitsey's mother happy.
I don't think it is that odd that Kitsey doesn't show sadness about Andy and her father's death. People grieve in many different ways. Kitsey is probably one that cries about it on her own time instead of with others. Also, a lot of time has past since their deaths and Kitsey is trying to move on.
Pippa is not as romantically involved as Theo is because of the bombing. Pippa still thinks about the bombing and all she went through. The bombing has scared her so much that she doesn't want to come back to the city. I think Theo brings a lot of emotions from the bombing back to Pippa. Theo is a direct connection to Welty who took care of Pippa. I think Pippa doesn't want to be with Theo because he brings back too many terrible memories of the bombing.
On pg.568 when Theo is talking about the cuffs of his shirt and the knots he has learned a lot about the world around him from what he hears and sees. He states "starched shirts and suits fresh from the cleaners' went a long, long, way toward hiding a multitude of sins." Theo is not a bad person on the outside, but when you start to look closer into his life with all the deaths and tragedies in his life, plus with he also deals with a crippling addiction to drugs, he states that he takes morphine pills and walks around listening to Elliot Smith. People look nice on the outside, but then you build friendships with these people, we tend to find sins in these types of people, but its up to peoples own judgement if they keep partaking in the friendship or they end it and let that person suffer alone. In a sense he is in cuffs waiting for the knot to be tied around his neck.
It is very odd that Kitsey seems to have no emotion at all. Not shedding a tear or blinking an eye after her father and brother both die in a sailing accident is very strange. Even though she didn't have a strong bond and relationship with her father and brother, and people morn and deal with things in very different ways, its very weird she isnt effected by it. It would almost make me question if she is going to be unemotional about everything for the rest of her life. It would be very odd to be engaged and marry someone who is so cold about her family members dying.
My question of whether or not she is going to be emotionless about many things in the future is answered. Two nights before the engagement party, Kitsey is crying, Theo very surprised to see her for the first time showing emotion, is also very confused. Kitsey isn't crying because of nerves or excitement, she is crying out of pure saddness and confusion. She is engaged and about to marry a man she does not love. She loves Tom Cable, not Theo.
I don’t find it odd that Kitsey does not show any emotion about the death of her father or brother. Throughout the novel she has come off as someone who only cares about herself and is very materialistic. She is similar to her mother who was the same way until the death of Andy and his father. Kitsey would have only been heartbroken by the deaths if she would’ve lost something that was hers such as her jewelry. I feel as though she is not even sad about her father dying because she gets some of his inheritance which is just what she wants. She doesn’t want her father; she only wants his money and what he gives her after his death. Kitsey is very self-centered so I don’t find it weird that she isn’t upset at all about the deaths that occurred in her family.
Kitsey needed to get married to be respected by her family and Theo just wanted to be and give love. However, he couldn’t seem to love kitsey as much as he could. Theo had to sip a drink to hide his surprise and annoyance to the way she responded to receiving some jewelry. Also Theo didn’t’ seem to care what jewelry Kitsey got when they were with the Tiffany’s jewelry consultant. She wished that Theo would tell her what he liked obviously caring about his input, but Theo again leaves it up to her to decide as long as she is happy he supposes that he is happy as well. Theo really loves Pippa though, but Pippa just loves the friendship he has given her.
The whole situation with Kitsey is so weird to me. I have a hard time understanding why Theo even likes her. I agree with Drake, in saying that I'm not sure why Theo likes Kitsey romantically. She was really mean to him as a kid. I really enjoyed reading about the relationship though, and it was the best part of the book for me but it was really typical. How she is only marrying Theo for the status but is in love with her ex. This wasn't surprising because it was foreshadowed. But Kitsey is insanely fake, but then again so is Theo, because he's marrying for status too. The whole Barbours are fake, whatever makes them look better. Kitsey didn't even know half the people that are attending the wedding. When Kitsey says that it's in Theo's best interest to stay with her, it basically described their relationship; no love, just status. It represents how society affects people. The same happened in the Great Gatsby with Daisy and her husband.
On page 524 Theo is in almost a melancholy state of mind. The way he describes the bar is both beautiful and deadly. This is a man in his own life who wouldn’t be totally upset should he die, yet looks at his surroundings as though welcoming an old friend. For the next three pages after, Theo goes from a somewhat happy blurriness to a completely dead one. He thinks back to drugs and how it wouldn’t be awful to be passed out on Hobie’s floor. Reading through Theo’s thoughts right now flow as if he’s there but in a daze and we feel in a daze with him. He doesn’t care about the babies and Kitsey and it’s like he’s drowning in the Whiskey shots he just took
After Boris and Theo run into each other for the first time they are very happy to see one another but it has been such a long time since they have seen one another that they spend the whole night together catching up. Boris seems not as interested in Theo, however, as he keeps Theo waiting three hours before he decides to meet with him and start talking. The two go back to their old ways together of doing drugs and do cocaine with one another throughout the night. Boris seems to be someone of high power now, although you don't know what he is up to; Boris has his own driver and commands people around (he gets Theo food at a bar that doesn't serve food). I found it surprising that after Theo left Vegas that Boris became a drug dealer at the school before having to go away. The biggest surprise that Tartt drops on the reader is that Boris is married and has children of his own. Boris still has the same old foul mouth and still speaks in a heavy Russian accent.
Theo and Kitsey's engagement is surprising because as kids Kitsey was always mean and rude towards Theo. Theo seems indifferent while china shopping for the wedding and says he is excited although he acts differently. Theo hates when Kitsey takes him to her friends house (he always complains about her friends) and prefers time alone with Kitsey rather than with other people. Kitsey drags Theo around town with her to dinner parties and other social outing that Theo seems to despise. Kitsey doesn't seem to care about everything of Theo's either as she doesn't really want to wear Theo's mother's emerald earrings to their wedding. Kitsey may just be a replacement for Pippa as Theo could never get Pippa so he feels he must settle for Kitsey. Theo wasn't even the one to propose which may be a red flag that he isn't all that into the relationship and may just be going along with it. I do find it odd that Kitsey doesn't seem to be too upset about her father's and brother's death but not talking about it and just ignoring that it ever happened may be Kitsey's way of dealing with the pain. Theo should know what Kitsey is going through as he lost both of his parents and should be more sympathetic towards Kitsey.
I did find it as odd as Theo does that Kitsey seems to almost ignore the tragedy, but then I thought about it some more. I agree with Patrick about the fact that the distance of Kitsey's family aided in her secluded grieving process, as well as her remote attitude. However, I refuse to believe that Kitsey's character is as shallow as she comes off to be. I think she feels the loss of her brother and father very differently than everyone else. It is known that everyone handles death in different ways, and I think Kitsey is prolonging the denial stage to it's full extent. Again, I don't believe that she is as cold and empty-minded as everyone thinks. Yes, she is only marrying Theo because of status, and because her mother thinks it's a good idea, but I think she is mainly going through with it because it is a distraction from what's going on around her.
Boris has not really changed from his times in Vegas with Theo, even though it has been years. In my opinion, Boris is not a surprising or interesting person; he just lives a party life and does what he wants to do. Boris still uses drugs, drinks, and lives anywhere he wants. The only slight noticeable thing that has changed about Boris is that he has money now. He can pay for his party-lifestyle, even though he says he has a family, which is the only real surprising thing to me. Boris never seemed like the family type, and years later, he supposedly has one. Theo and Boris still talk and act like how they did in Vegas, sharing everything they have and talking how they did. Even after years passing, when people normally change, Boris is still the same old same old.
I found it very odd that Kitsey showed no sadness about the death of Andy and Mr. Barbour. Kitsey was always fighting for her fathers attention when Theo was around, Andy even said he thought Kitsey was their fathers favorite. Maybe its the fact that Mr. Barbour wasnt around much when she was a kid, but you'd think she would feel for the loss of Andy who died doing what he disliked the most.
Kitsey had always been an attention seeker, and needed things her way. To me, she is only getting married to Theo for the sake of being married, since that is what's socially acceptable, despite the fact that her and Tom Cable were still close companions. So, to me, this engagement is really no shock whatsoever. Tartt makes it clear that Kitsey is not meant to be the admirable and trustworthy character in the story, and that is portrayed very well after her brother and father's deaths. Maybe she was hiding her sadness in order to keep the rest of her family strong, or maybe she was secretly relieved that there was more room for attention for herself (this sounds extremely evil, I know). On the other hand, I think Theo may have wanted a fresh start and a way to rid his feelings for Pippa, since she loved her and Theo's friendship, not Theo.
Theo and Pippa would be a good couple. That being said, they would never work together. The reason for this statement is simple. Pippa and Theo have went through a lot that many people would never experience in their lifetime. It has caused them to suffer in ways not many can relate to and to live their lives a way others would not. These two would need someone who would be able to lift them up when they are down and be their strongholds. If they were together there would be no stronghold. Theo is a drug addict with bouts of severe depression and Pippa is the same. If they became a couple they would only be able to help so much before hurting themselves. They had shared the same horrible experience of surviving a bomb and living without ones they love. Pippa knows they are too similar so tries to remain distanced as much as she can to salvage what is left of their lives and what these two are, separately, trying to rebuild to keep moving forward.
People handle death in their own ways. Being at such a young age when his mother died, Theo struggled coping with the pain from losing his mother. It was easier for Kitsey to deal with her loss because she was much older than Theo was when he lost his mother. Everyone has a different take on the way they handle death, so comparing how the two dealt with it simply isn't fair.
I was extremely surprised when Kitsey and Theo were announced as engaged. It happened instantly and with no warning from the novel, and it completely threw me off. Kitsey's continuing relationship with Tom Cable, though, does not surprise me at all. I felt absolutely horrible for Theo having to watch them together and put together all of the puzzle pieces on how her family had been covering for her. However, I think he was more surprised by her show of emotion rather than the secret relationship because all throughout their engagement and time together, Kitsey had never shed a tear in front of Theo. It definitely hurt Theo on a different level to see her crying with someone else, because as her fiancee, he should be the shoulder to cry on. I would venture a guess that she was probably crying about her upcoming engagement party and the fact that this would formally end her secret rendezvous' with Tom.
I do find it odd that Kitsey shows no emotions about the deaths in her family. Theo is puzzled by this and at first I was too. After seeing her crying with Tom Cable I understood more. Kitsey was seemingly shallow with Theo and only cared about going to parties with him, shopping, and herself. But really, she just didn't love Theo. She was still in love with Tom Cable for some reason but knew Theo was a better choice for her to marry, much like Theo realized she was the person he needed to marry and not Pippa. She didn't show her emotion to him because she didn't love him or have a deep connection with him. Their relationship was kind of superficial and therefore her emotions were surface-level too.
The surprise about Theo's engagement is the fact that it wasn't with Pippa. Neither of them end up really loving each other. Theo obviously loves Pippa more than anything or anyone and Kitsey loves a guy Theo went to high school with. Although Theo claims to love Kitsey, it is obvious that he doesn't. Despite the fact of knowing that Pippa doesn't love him back, Theo continues to think about and mention his love for her throughout the novel.
I did find it a bit odd at first that Kitsey does not grieve over her father and brother's death. I think though, that Kitsey had reasons that presented themselves as you read further into the story. I believe one reason was because of how she saw Theo grieve when his mother died. She witnessed the depression Theo went through, and so decided to go through almost a denial-like form of grieving instead. This way she could avoid all the pain Theo had to feel, or at least try to ignore it. I think the distance between the family also helped her feel more disconnected from them. In the end, however, it's most likely just how Kitsey grieves. She may appear very shallow and self-absorbed, but I think that may be because she is very conserved with her true emotions. She keeps them hidden inside her instead of sharing them with others. Its likely that this is the major reason she didn't appear to be fazed about her father and brother's deaths. She is just not an emotionally vocal person.
yes, I find it very odd that Kitsey doesn't show any sadness over the death of her father and brother. Theo was devastated over the death of his mother, but Kitsey is strangely.. okay with it? The appearance of Pippa is ironic because of her timing in the events of Theo's life. Theo is finally giving up on Pippa, and has himself engaged to marry Kitsey.
Now that both Boris and Theo are grown up, things are bound to be different. Boris is now slightly more serious about things and not as reckless but still behaves like his teenage self when it comes to partying. Theo is also more mature but is facing a lot more hardships than Boris. Boris is married which surprised me because Boris never seemed like the type of guy to ever settle down in life. Despite the changes, Theo and Boris greet each other just like they did back in Las Vegas. They spend the night doing things similar to what they would have in Las Vegas. Boris still travels a lot like he used to, and Theo still chooses to live in New York City.
I think Theo is so amazed Kitsey is crying with Tom Cable because Kitsey appears very self-absorbed and bullet proof in a sense that nothing seems too faze her. To see her crying shows a level of vulnerability he might not have thought possible for her. Kitsey has a lot of things to cry about. Her brother and father have died and she is marrying a man she doesn't love. Perhaps being with Tom Cable, a person she truly loves and feel comfortable around, made her cry. Not because he did something bad to her, but because he made her it feel like it was okay to feel sad. She trusts him and loves him, so she is comfortable with showing this part of her to him. These are parts of her Theo might never get to see.
Initially, I found Boris's story about the painting pretty sketchy, but I am always a suspicious reader. Although it is slightly ironic that Boris stole an already-stolen painting, it is still a huge betrayal to Theo. Boris is supposedly supposed to be Theo's friend, yet he steal something from him? Not only that, but it was one of, if not the most prized possession Theo had. It was his connection he had with his mother, her favorite painting. Not only did Boris steal it, but he led Theo to believe he the painting wasn't even gone and continued to carry on regular life like nothing was wrong. If I were an author of a dictionary, for an example of the word betrayal I would simply put "Refer to Boris in "The Goldfinch"" because of how much this epitoizes betrayal.
The ironic part about Pippa showing up at this time is that Theo is marrying Kitsey. I don't think Pippa is as interested into Theo because of moving away from New York right after the explosion. Pippa also moves around to different countries unlike Theo. Theo has not been to different countries with different people. He has moved to Las Vegas with his dad. The difference between Theo and Pippa is that Pippa is social, she goes and talks to people. Theo isn't as social as Pippa. After the explosion, he could only name the Barbours as a temporary home. He also has personally talked to Welty before his death and thinks of Hobie as a mentor. When he moves to Las Vegas, the only true friend he seems to have made is Boris. The reason that Pippa is not as interested in Theo as Theo is into her is that Pippa has moved on from that day while Theo hasn't.
Boris hasn’t changed much. He still drinks, uses drugs, and parties. Boris even continues to call Theo by the name of “Potter” like the old days. Boris still lives his life with no worries and as if there are no consequences to his actions. The big difference now is that Boris seems to be financially stable to support his lifestyle and has a family. Part of me admires Boris, though his life is attached to partying, alcohol and drugs. I just admire his free spirit and worriless lifestyle. He seems to be doing alright to me, but he's missing the reason why he is here.
Actually, I think that it is very believable that Hobie would know of Lucius and Havistock from previous work experiences. When someone becomes specialized in a field as Hobie is in handmade furniture and antiques they tend to know all of their competitors and the lowlife in the business as well. I think that it is just by coincidence that Lucius and Hobie are reunited though, many seemingly unconnected things had to happen for the two to meet again. Theo had to steal the Goldfinch painting, Get taken back to Vegas, meet Boris, become close to Hobie, and have Borris’s deals go sour for Lucius to even encounter Hobie again. It’s very unlikely that it was not just a coincidence.
It is very ironic that Pippa comes at this point in the story. This is mostly because Kitsey has been sneaking around Theo's back with Tom Cable, and Theo fells somewhat betraded. Then out of the blue Pippa comes, who Theo believes is his only true love, right as Theo is hurt by someone he "loves." That is why it is so ironic.
I do not find it as odd as Theo does that Kitsey doesn't show sadness about Andy and her father's deaths because it is easy for me to understand that Kitsey deals with such problems differently than Theo. She doesn't face such issues head on and admit that she is sad. Kitsey instead runs away from problems and doesn't speak up about it. It isn't like she is completely unaffected however. Platt even tells Theo in chapter 9 that Kitsey was on antidepressants and had to possibly drop out of school because of her emotional issues. On the outside though she appears as if nothing truly bothers her. It's as if she is completely bulletproof, but in all reality she just does a very good job of hiding her true thoughts.
Boris hasn't changed much if not at all. He still likes to party and drink. One thing that was different is that he has his own money and doesn't ask people for it. It was kind of sketchy when theo said that him and his kids look nothing like each other. Either its a coincidence, she cheated on him, or he plain out lied. I personally think that he is lying but the question is why? Maybe he did it to impress theo or try to make his life sound better then it really is.
Boris hasn't changed much if not at all. He still likes to party and drink. One thing that was different is that he has his own money and doesn't ask people for it. It was kind of sketchy when theo said that him and his kids look nothing like each other. Either its a coincidence, she cheated on him, or he plain out lied. I personally think that he is lying but the question is why? Maybe he did it to impress theo or try to make his life sound better then it really is.
Boris hasn't changed much if not at all. He still likes to party and drink. One thing that was different is that he has his own money and doesn't ask people for it. It was kind of sketchy when theo said that him and his kids look nothing like each other. Either its a coincidence, she cheated on him, or he plain out lied. I personally think that he is lying but the question is why? Maybe he did it to impress theo or try to make his life sound better then it really is.
I don't think it's odd that Kitsey doesn't show emotion about her father's and Andy's death. Everyone grieves differently, and just because she doesn't show that she's hurting to everyone doesn't mean that she's not. When Theo's mother died, the situation was completely different, Theo's mother was the only person he really had. For Kitsey, she still has her mother and her family, not saying that losing her father and her brother isn't difficult, but she still has people who love and care for her, Theo didn't.
The engagement of Theo and Kitsey shocked me. It shocked me mostly because it seems that Theo is still pretty into Pippa. In addition, it seems like the only reason Kitsey is suddenly interested in Theo is that she needs to impress her family. The relationship between the two just seems shallow at best, and this is shown in the china shop when Theo just lets Kitsey get what she wants, without much of his input. Finally, Theo doesn't seem like he's in love with Kitsey. Again, I don't think he is over Pippa yet, and that is definitely weighing him down.
The absence of real emotion following the death of Kitsey's brother and father does not surprise me. I think that she feels she has to be Theo's rock, so she is protecting him from her true feelings. I believe she feels this way because her life is filled with sad people. Theo, Platt and now her mother, three people important to her are drowning in sadness.
The surprise appearance of Pippa is ironic because Theo is already engaged to Kitsey. However, Pippa only visits Theo because she feels bad for him not because she is interested in him romantically. Even though Theo has found a new love interest, I believe that he still has feelings for Pippa. This is because of how he fell in love with her right before his mother died. Theo tried to move on in life and forget about Pippa but he couldn't stop thinking of her and her appearance just made him want to be with her more. He was never able to move on in life in forgetting about Pippa as she was able to do with him.
Theo is surprised when he sees Kitsey crying with Tom because she never shows that side of her to Theo, he sees it as if she loves Tom more than she does Theo. I believe she is crying at that point because she wants to be with Tom but she is marrying Theo so she loves the wrong person. Pippa's appearance was ironic because Theo had witnessed Kitsey with the person she had secretly loved and she had been in love with the wrong person, this somewhat also applies to Theo's situation in that Pippa was the person that Theo loved. Her showing up showed him that he was marrying the wrong person. Pippa isn't romantically interested in Theo because she is reminded by the tragedy that stopped her dreams from happening. She mentions how New York always reminds her of the tragedy and with that Theo could also cause that.
When Theo runs into Boris for the first in years they both greeted each other differently. They both sounded differently. You can tell that Boris has changed the way he lives now. He actually is doing something in his life besides partying and doing drugs. After they talked for awhile they started to use they're old sayings and jokes that they used to go back and forth with. They even called each other by their nicknames that they gave each other. It shows that when people meet up after awhile they will always be the same to you.
After Theo sees Tom and Kitsey together, he seems amazed that Kitsey is crying because he has never seen that kind of emotion out of her before. Around him, Kitsey has always been the upbeat, happy blonde that everyone loves. When he saw that she was crying into Tom's arms, it hit a nerve. He had never even seen her cry before. Even when her father and brother died, Theo remarked about how he barely saw any emotion out of her. At the time, it seriously bothered him. In my opinion, I think that the reason she was crying was actually about Theo. He didn't do anything wrong, but she is so on love with Tom that it pains her not to be able to marry him. Although she knows that her and Theo make a good pair, it isn't what she truly wants.
I do find it odd that Kitsey doesn't show sadness about Andy and her dads death. If that was me I would be sad for awhile and I would probably need something to keep me moving. I know that everyone shows sadness differently but this is your close family that has died. When Theo's mother died he was sad for awhile. I can now see why Theo would be confused at the fact that she isn't showing sadness for their deaths. I think that it is weird that she didn't show ant affection at their deaths
Kitsey does not care for her Andy or her father's death because she is past the point of shallow. Kitsey is a dried up shell of a human that is just shuffling along trying to find a fancier shell even if another person is using it. She would probably be happy if Theo died because then she would gain money from inheritance. So, no I'm not surprised that the worst person a author could write up is not upset at her brother and father's death.
The first reunion of Boris and Theo is quite awkward because they have both changed Boris clearly changed the way he lives by actually being productive. It takes some time for the two to warm up to each other but eventually things seem to go back to normal between Theo and Boris. They even go back to using the nicknames that they gave each other.
Theo was getting his life all put together and was about to be happy with being with Kitsey. Then Pippa arrives throwing everything off balance with making him realize he's going to marry the wrong person. I don't think Piipa is as interested as Theo is because all she wants is to forget what happened. While Theo lives around the problems and reminds her of it.
I think that Kitsey feels that she can’t show sadness because she wants to make Theo happy, and her showing sadness doesn’t help. She copes with denial, so she may seem angry a lot of the time, but it’s just her sadness. Her seeming like she’s cold-hearted can be the result of her being surrounded by people who have been torn apart from grief, because it can spread. All she want’s to do is go on with life after watching others have their hearts broken.
Everyone handles their emotions differently, which is why I don't find it odd that Kitsy was crying. Some people hide their emotions so they can refrain from hurting others just as Kitsy did with Theo so he can be happy. She might seem cold, but you have to look at what kind of people she's been raised and living with her whole life, not the nicest crowd is it? She wants to be happy while at the same time struggling with her own sadness and woes. While some say that tragedy isn't an excuse for a character to act a certain way, it definitely builds their character.
The reason that Theo is so shocked to see that Kitsey is crying because he's never known to see her sad. Not once has he ever seen her cry and I feel like he's a bit jealous that she hasn't shown him that emotion and instead, she is showing the emotion to someone that he hates. Theo is the one who is marrying Kitsey, not Tom Cable. I think that she was crying because she could finally let out the pent up emotion of loss and grief. She wold obviously be crying about her brother and father, as she probably feels regret about how she treated Andy and wishes she could show him that she actually loved him. Along with her father, Kitsey never really appreciated him when he was still alive. What child ever really does appreciate their parent until they are no longer with them-literally and technically. Again, with her dad, I don't think she ever got to show that she truly loved him either.
This book shows the cruelty of man especially to the handicapped
Post a Comment