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For the end of April?

Physiognomy

Rugendas's landscape paintings are referred to throughout the book as "physiognomic." Physiognomy is (in general) the idea of discerning personal characteristics from physical features, especially the face. So how does this fit with our story? How does Rugendas's disfigurement relate?

The writing

What did you think of Aira's writing style? I must admit I found it hard to get through in some sections, especially the abstract riffing on the nature of art and life and nature. (I wonder if the translation played a role in that.) Did you enjoy it or find it a wee bit pretentious?

The artist

It took me a while, but I think I've determined that the "episode" described in Aira's book actually happened. Rugendas's Wikipedia page doesn't mention the riding accident or subsequent handicap, but this bio does, so I guess Aira didn't just make it up (which was my initial impression).

So what's the point of the story? What do we learn about this guy?

The art

In case you hadn't Googled this yet, here's a sampling of Rugendas's work. Any thoughts? Is it what you imagined?

allusions

Instead of posting an exhaustive (and for me, obscure) list of allusions tied to "Invention of Morel," I'll just link to the Wikipedia article the newfangled way. But, some of the allusions and connections it has includes:

The Island of Doctor Moreau by H. G. Wells
XYZ by Clemente Palma
The video game Myst (I do not play video games)
An episode from "Lost" called "Dave"
The League of Extraordinary Gentlemen
Film: Last Year in Marienbad
Film: Man Facing Southeast


If you are familiar with any of those above or in the link, or plan to see/read one (like kc. I'd like to read Dr. Moreau now), discuss!

On my part, I have seen the lovely and baffling "Last Year in Marienbad," which I remember thinking had a challenging plot (if there was one) but had this otherworldly romance at its center, much like "Morel."

One of the other comparisons was to the 1987 English horror film "Bloody New Year," but in my professional opinion, that's bollocks. BOLLOCKS!

The soul

I thought there were a lot of interesting ideas in "Morel" about what constitutes a soul. Here's what Morel says to his guests: "When all the senses are synchronized, the soul emerges. That was to be expected. When Madeleine existed for the senses of sight, hearing, taste, smell and touch, Madeleine herself was actually there."