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“Death with Interruptions” by José Saramago

Welcome to my ninth blog! This week I read "Death with Interruptions" by José Saramago.

"Death with Interruptions" is undoubtedly a novel that has left an indelible mark on me. From its captivating premise to its profound exploration of life's complexity, death's mysteries, and the essence of humanity, this novel really stands out from the all the novels that I’ve read so far.

One of the most striking aspects of the book is Saramago's adeptness at seamlessly blending fiction with philosophical inquiry. As the narrative unfolds, as a reader of this book, I got treated to heartfelt reflections on the nature of existence itself. The quote, "Death went back to bed, our her arms around the man and, without understanding what was happening to her, she who never slept felt gently closing her eyelids. The following day, no one died” (238) is a poignant example of Saramago's ability to humanize death, inviting readers to reassess their perceptions of mortality. This humanization adds a layer of depth to the narrative, encouraging introspection and evoking strong emotional resonance.

Furthermore, Saramago highlights the power and volatility of language. Words are not static; they evolve, shift, and adapt. Just as people change their minds, so do the meanings and connotations of words. The quote,“One cannot be too careful with words, they change their minds just as people do” (67) serves as a reminder to choose our words thoughtfully, recognizing their potential impact on others and the world around us. 

Moreover, the novel's exploration of societal structures and human nature adds layers of complexity to the narrative tapestry. Through the interactions between political and religious authorities, Saramago reveals the inherent tensions and power struggles within society. The quote, "The church has never been asked to explain anything, our specialty, along with the ballistics, has always been the neutralization of the overly curious mind through faith,"(12) sheds light on the manipulative nature of institutional authority, urging readers to question the established norms and confront uncomfortable truths about the human condition.

In conclusion, "Death with Interruptions" is a masterfully crafted novel that transcends traditional genre boundaries. Its seamless fusion of fiction, philosophy, and social commentary offers a rich tapestry for contemplation. Through its compelling narrative and profound insights, Saramago attracts readers on a transformative journey of introspection and existential inquiry, leaving an indelible impression that resonates long after the final page has been turned.

Here is my question for this week about this novel: in a deathless existence, would our pursuit of meaning and purpose change? Without the urgency of mortality, would we still seek knowledge, love, and creativity? 

Comments

Daniel Orizaga said…
Certainly, the question of the genre of the novel gives many elements to discuss. Those parts of social commentary intertwined with those of philosophical meditations make this book peculiar. But the way in which the discourse is constructed is also interesting, for example the narrator so characteristic of Saramago's novels. What can you tell us about him? What do you notice specifically about him that has left that indelible impression on you?
May Wang said…
Hi Fiona! I really liked your point where you state that death is humanized. I definitely think this is the most special aspect of Saramago's exploration of the concept death. By personifying "death", we are introduced to an entirely different way of considering this supposedly cruel phenomenon that is thought to be a natural occurrence as this is the way our lives end.
-- May
May Wang said…
Hi Fiona! I really liked the point you made about how death is humanized in this book. I definitely agree that this proposes a very insightful way of thinking about death from an entirely different perspective. I also think that the way Saramago personifies death is what makes his exploration of this idea most special.
-- May
Ava Hamid-Nejad said…
Hi Fiona! I completely agree with your comment on how this book has felt different from the rest of the books we have read so far, which I quite enjoyed. In regards to your question, I personally think the world would become rather dull without the urgency of morality. I think as human as we are, we would procrastinate on such things as love, knowledge, and creativity if there were to be no "due date".
- Ava Hamid-Nejad

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