Death with Interruptions, by Jose Saramago, (Mariner Books 2009, 238 pages) translated from the Portuguese by Margaret Jull Costa, is a joyful, rollicking read. But because of the utter originality of the plot, the playfulness and energy of the language, and the scatterings of allusions and philosophical musings, it may prove a bit challenging for the ordinary Book Club.
A few talking points and study guide questions are offered below to aide any Book Club taking on Saramago's romping tale of death, life, and love.
With Saramago, Language is First and Foremost
Much of the joy of reading Saramago, especially this particular book, is the play he has with language. He uses cliches, puns (even in translation), paradoxes and other wordplay on almost every page. He also makes deeply thoughtful comments about the elusive qualities of language - its limitations and slipperiness, and how that affects our mortal efforts to grasp and talk about reality.
In fact, this reviewer would say that it is Saramago's use and appreciation of language that really makes this book so much fun - and stimulating - to read.
Any discussion of the book, should therefore, include some attention to language play.
- Write down at least four places where Saramago uses puns, paradoxes, or oxymorons.
- How do these contribute to (or detract) from the book?
- Write down at least four cases in which Saramago turns a cliche on its tail,spins it around, and makes it new.
- Write down some cases in which Saramago makes fun of language.
Death Personified
In Death with Interruptions, Saramago personifies death and gives her a personality, feelings, and sense of irony. It would be interesting to discuss these questions with a group:
- What characteristics of death as personified in the book do you find most comical? Most tragic? Most memorable?
- Does death's transmutation into a female human change the above characteristics? How?
Considering Theme
Though this reader of Saramago does not consider theme of prime importance, it can hardly be avoided, when reading about death, life, and love. Those are the Big Issues in literature, so they must be taken up, and seriously considered, in processing this book. A Book Group may want to consider these thematic questions:
- What seems to be the hierarchy of power among life, love, death and god?
- What reason can you find for death's taking a break? What does that say about love's power?
- Does the story indicate that death has fallen in love more than once? What is implied by the plural of 'interruptions'?
Who's Telling this Story, Anyway?
The narrator in Death with Interruptions is an important voice, and a character. This narrative voice adds a great deal to the story, for it is that voice that tumbles around in the words, points out the pettiness and foibles of the politicians, clergy, and humans in general, and provides the energy of the tale. Who is this narrator?
- Could the narrator be death? The scythe? God?
- Would knowing who the narrator is change the meaning of the story, or the plot? How?
Laugh and Enjoy
This teacher/ reader/ reviewer offers a caveat with all the above: Do not over analyze this book. Immerse yourselves in it, in the language, the comic imagery, the irony, and the just plain fun about the seriousness of life, love, and death.
Reference:
Death with Interruptions by Jose Saramago, (Mariner Books 2009, 238 pages)
Leah Abramovitz - Laura Bernell, Professional Writer since 1984; Community College Adjunct English Instructor since 1982.
