Different perspectives

Looking down on Orlando

We’re going to read chapter 6, p. 55 ff (“We walked in through the front door.”) up to the end of the chapter.

TASKS

Describe the different ways in which Quentin and Margo perceive [wahrnehmen] Orlando from the perspective of the SunTrust conference room.
Analyse how their perspectives of the same thing can be so different. What might be the reasons? Who do you think is right?
Read and think about quote #1 from John Milton’s “Paradise Lost” (published in 1667).
Also read Marcus Aurelius’ quote (#2) written in the 2nd century AD [n. Chr.].
Can you see a connection between the thoughts expressed [ausgedrückt] in these quotes and the perspectives of Margo and Quentin looking down on Orlando from the SunTrust conference room? Explain!
Imagine that Quentin knew the quote by Simone de Beauvoir (#3) written down below. What might he reply to Margo in the conference room scene based on that quote?

Quote #1

The mind is its own place, and in itself can make a Heaven of Hell, a Hell of Heaven.

— John Milton in his poem “Paradise Lost”

Quote #2

Das Glück Deines Lebens hängt von der Beschaffenheit Deiner Gedanken ab.

— Marc Aurel, römischer Kaiser und Philosoph, 121 – 180 n. Chr.

Quote #3

Das Glück besteht darin, zu leben wie alle Welt und doch wie kein anderer zu sein.

— Simone de Beauvoir (1908 – 1986), frz. Autorin, Philosophin und Feministin

A little life lesson

“It’s beautiful,” I said.
Margo scoffed. “Really? You seriously think so?”
“I mean, well, maybe not,” I said, although it was.

p. 57, top

… she turned to me and smiled. “Here’s a tip: you’re cute when you’re confident. And less when you’re not.”

p. 57, middle

Why does Quentin behave as he does? What’s Margo’s reaction? Do you see a “life lesson” (or even a “love lesson”) in these two passages?