Scott Morris | Author
QUESTIONS FOR DISCUSSION
1. Why do you think the author named his protagonist Taftly? Does this name bear any significance to the character?
2. What does Taftly mean when he refers to the Total View? How does his perception of it change throughout the novel? Does he ever achieve it?
3. Do you see aspects of Taftly in any other characters in the novel? The Clydesdale twins? Pastor Bates? Fay? His parents? His grandfather? Dennis? Do you think that he sees aspects of himself in them?
4. Religion and redemption are themes often found in Southern literature. Why does Taftly want redemption? Would you consider Taftly religious?
5. Is Taftly on a natural, normal journey to self-discovery and the meaning of his life, or is his plight abnormal? What aspects of Taftly can we find in ourselves?
6. What symbolism does obesity have in the novel? Why do you think Morris wrote the female runner into the story?
7. What information would have been revealed by the telegram and the doctor's letter? Why was it not revealed?
8. Why did Dennis produce the tapes of Taftly's discourse? Did they have an impact on Taftly?
9. This book seems to revolve around turning points. How many can you identify? Have you had significant turning points in your life? What sparked these? Were they for the better or for the worse?
10. What is your Total View?