Assignments

Chapter 9 - Tone and Theme

Adaptation

Tone described: comically neurotic, philosophical, unpredictable as hell 

Tone illustrated: The comic neurosis is apparent through Charlie’s never-ending neurotic moments, socially and privately. The philosophical moments are strongest in the times when portions of The Orchid Thief are read in voice over. The unpredictability comes from the way the story veers back and forth in time, in and out of reality, and through the bizarre montage-like moments, one of which shows Darwin slugging Charlie. 

Theme: We often forsake the natural/passionate side of life for the neurotic/phony side.  

A moment that illustrates the theme: Susan is thrown off balance as John admires a rare orchid and explains how insects make love to flowers when they pollinate, the insect and flower temporarily becoming “soulmates.”