The Floating Opera Part I

The Floating Opera by John Barth   Pages 1-83

Lauren, Angelique, Mike, & Alicia

The Floating Opera- Relevance of the Title

• References to the title, also the storytelling method he uses
• Todd introduces to us how he will structure his story: in retrospect of the most important day of his life, but he also gives us background information to significant moments of that day.
• How does this information of his structure/style change your perspective of the book and plotline as a whole? What if he excluded this part, how different would your perspective be?
• On page 3 Todd refers to the German meaning of his name: “‘Tod is German for death: perhaps the name is symbolic. “I myself use two d’s, partly in order to avoid that symbolism.” Does this in any way foreshadow what his story is about? Or does this emphasize what he later calls his “cynic” personality? (pg. 51)
• What is the importance of the handbill advertising the showboat he is planning on taking Jane’s daughter to later? Is there a reason Barth replicated the entire advertisement in the book? (i.e. the date on the handbill)

Relationship with Harrison and Jane

• Todd’s relationship with Harrison and Jane is in great detail, something many people don’t do - admit and describe an affair that should not have happened. However, Todd incorporates this into his story almost as if it’s a confession.
• Why does he describe in such detail or emphasize a relationship (that should not have been continuing) so heavily on this seemingly important day of his life?
• i.e. is this a confession a suicidal person would put in their goodbye note? He doesn’t appear to be guilty about it - so what exactly is it’s importance to him?

     - Does the outline Todd creates about Harrison’s on psychic process on pages 37-38 seem accurate?

Living Everyday Like its His Last and in the Past

• “So I begin each day with a gesture of cynicism, and close it with a gesture of faith…” (pg 51)
• Todd as a very strict routine that is odd in some aspects, like he pays his rent of $1.50 to the hotel at about the same time everyday.

• Why does Todd live everyday as if it will be his last? What is the significance of the minute changes in his daily routine on the day he decided would be his last?

• He mentions how working in his “good clothes” reminds him of his father.(Pg. 70-72) Does this contribute to his pessimistic outlook on life? What imprint did his father’s suicide leave on him?

Narrative Style

• The narrative style of  The Floating Opera is different from any of the other novels we have encountered. How does it compare or contrast from the stream of consciousness from Mrs. Dalloway and free indirect discourse from Pride and Prejudice?
• What are it’s pros and cons?
• Why was this style chosen and is it appropriate in relation to the “confessionary” story that the author is trying to convey?