<p>So we are all supposed to read the Blind Assassin before we get to school this year. I figured that I may as well start a forum regarding the book so we can all be prepared. </p>
<p>What kind of paper are we supposed to write about the novel?</p>
<p>It definitely isn't necessary to read the book, write the essay, go to the discussion seminar OR to go to the lecture. Even though it says that it IS mandatory, it really is optional. Welcome to college...</p>
<p>but then again, you dont want to be the guy thats "too cool" to do something that would really be worthwhile..</p>
<p>I havn't bought the book yet, but I should be getting it in the next week or so...</p>
<p>Don't stress over it. Its really not a big deal.</p>
<p>I'm on page 140, and while the first 50 pages were intriguing, the plot has gone nowhere sense, and it seems like Atwood is trying too hard to be profound and descriptive, which is tiresome. While it can be neat to see the resolution in books that make no sense and wander aimlessly until all the threads miraculously intertwine at the end, I can't see this holding my attention long enough to see how the nonsense turns out. I far prefer Atwood's poetry, like "There Was Once" and "Siren Song." That said, I quite like the picture on the cover...</p>
<p>I don't know what's wrong with me but I really do like the book but it takes me forever to get through the smallest amount of pages. I have like NO concentration anymore -_-*</p>
<p>-Deion S.</p>
<p>Be glad you don't have the Map of Love.</p>
<p>There's nothing wrong with you Deion! To each his or her own... :)</p>
<p>I had already read it last summer (ooh don't I feel special) and re-read it when I found out about the assignment. May need to go over it again to write the paper. </p>
<p>Not as good as The Handmaid's Tale, The Blind Assassin is such typical Atwood. Which is why I like it. I can't believe how lucky we are to have her coming to GU.</p>
<p>Anyways, the hardest part is choosing what to write about..the assignment is WAY too open in my opinion. Stressfully vague.</p>
<p>Oh and Deion,
T'inqui</p>
<p>Thanks for the tip! (Even though I'm not Deion...)</p>
<p>Does Laura actually get pregnant?
Does Laura ever have relations with Alex?
How does Laura write "The Blind Assasin" and what is it about? (Is it the Zychron story or something else?)</p>
<p>I meant "since" by the way, up there^ not "sense."</p>
<p>Having finished the book, I now know that Laura was pregnant, by Richard. Laura doesn't write The Blind Assasin. I'm still unclear about whether or not she has sex with Alex.</p>
<p>From what I've understood, </p>
<ul>
<li><p>Iris wrote the Blind Assassin and marketed it, for various reasons i.e. to 'set things down', so that Maura could know what her background was like, for Sabrina to find, etc.</p></li>
<li><p>Laura's child was fathered by Richard, who sexually abused her.</p></li>
<li><p>Iris is the woman with Alex. Her daughter is therefore not Richard's.</p></li>
</ul>
<p>But then again, I may be completely wrong. I have the most awful memory.</p>
<p>I agree with you. Laura's child is never born, though, right? They force an abortion on her, correct?</p>
<p>correct. It's pretty complicated. I'm having a hard time figuring out what to write my book report thingy on...it's so open ended...</p>