The Echo Maker

Analyze and discuss the author’s attitude toward humans and their place in the natural world. Does the story suggest that humans and the ecosystem can ever really be compatible? How?

The novel contains many examples of embedded stories within the over-arching narrative. Select two or three of those internal stories and discuss how they exemplify one theme of the novel.

Trace at least two or three links between the myths about cranes and Mark’s metaphorical death(s) and rebirth.

Analyze and discuss the structure of the novel. What expectations are raised in the beginning and how are they resolved?

Karin, Weber and Mark all find a source of meaning in their new identities. Discuss the relationship of meaning with identity in the context of one or more of the characters in the book. Consider the roles of minor characters, such as Mark’s friends and parents.

Analyze and discuss Weber’s attitudes toward advances in neuroscience and the understanding of the brain as a collection of modules communicating among themselves. Does this correspond to current research in neuroscience? If not, what are the dominant approaches?

Discuss the concept of Ecosickness in relation to human health. Does illness caused by environmental factors offer a sufficient motive for action to protect the environment?

Karsh’s plans for the crane habitat initially seem to offer a mutually beneficial symbiosis between man and nature. It becomes clear that his plans will actually be disastrous. Discuss how a genuine symbiosis might be achieved.