The Book of Laura 13
by Link, KellyLaura’s ability to compartmentalize is central to her character, allowing her to manage the chaos around her, especially in relation to her family. With her father gone and her mother barely coping, Laura takes on the responsibility of caring for her older sister Susannah, who is more of a dreamer and less grounded. Music serves as Laura’s refuge and future, a place where she can safely store her emotions and ambitions. Despite her practical nature, Laura acknowledges her mistakes with Susannah and reflects on the complex balance of love and grudges that defines their relationship.
The chapter also explores Laura’s inner turmoil about the presence of an unreal person in her life, a magical entity placed by Mr. Anabin as part of a mysterious game. Laura initially suspects Susannah but ultimately dismisses the idea, considering Bowie a more likely candidate. Meanwhile, her thoughts are occupied by other figures from her life, including Daniel and Rosamel Walker, whose memory lingers. The tension between Laura’s magical responsibilities and her personal relationships sets the stage for forthcoming decisions, highlighting her struggle to reconcile reality and fantasy.
A significant moment unfolds when Laura joins her family in a karaoke performance, despite initial reluctance. The song choice, Mariah Carey’s “Always Be My Baby,” is humorously ill-suited, but Laura’s sincere, stripped-down rendition surprises her and the audience. This shared musical experience reveals hidden facets of her family—her mother’s unexpected vocal talent and her father’s countertenor voice—underscoring music’s deep roots in their lives. The performance brings a rare moment of joy and connection, especially for Ruth, Laura’s mother, who is uplifted by the experience.
The chapter closes with Laura and Ruth bonding over the performance and the possibility of bringing more music into their lives, despite Susannah’s absence and disinterest. Ruth’s playful suggestion of a karaoke machine for Christmas symbolizes a desire to reclaim joy and noise amid their struggles. Laura’s promise to make things right with Susannah hints at ongoing family tensions but also hope for healing. Overall, the chapter weaves themes of family, responsibility, magic, and music into a poignant narrative of growth and reconciliation.
FAQs
1. How does Laura’s habit of compartmentalizing affect her relationships with her family, particularly with her sister Susannah?
Answer:
Laura’s compartmentalizing is a coping mechanism that allows her to manage the chaos in her family life by separating emotions and responsibilities into distinct “boxes.” This habit helps her handle practical tasks like ensuring Susannah has breakfast, clean clothes, and homework done, but it also creates emotional distance. Laura recognizes that she has made mistakes with Susannah, noting their different temperaments—Susannah as the impulsive dreamer and Laura as the future-focused planner. The compartmentalization leads Laura to carefully track their grudges and wrongs, illustrating an ongoing internal struggle to balance love and disappointment. Ultimately, this strategy allows Laura to function amid family tension but complicates emotional closeness.2. What is the significance of music in Laura’s life and how does it relate to her identity and future aspirations?
Answer:
Music represents a sanctuary and a path to the future for Laura. She views music as more than just an art form—it’s a “house where she will live” and a way to “unpack” emotions and desires she has not yet allowed herself to fully feel. This underscores music as a means of self-expression, emotional processing, and personal growth. The karaoke scene vividly illustrates this: despite her initial reluctance, Laura commits fully to the performance, stripping away the usual embellishments to convey sincerity. The experience connects her deeply with her family and audience, reigniting her sense of belonging and identity. Music also connects her to her family heritage, as she discovers her parents’ musical talents, reinforcing that music is integral to who she is and who she hopes to become.3. Analyze the role of the “unreal person” mentioned by Mr. Anabin. How does this concept introduce tension or conflict in the chapter?
Answer:
The “unreal person” placed into Laura’s life by Mr. Anabin introduces a supernatural or magical element that complicates Laura’s reality. This entity’s existence challenges Laura’s perception of those close to her, especially Susannah, who behaves inconsistently and is notably unaffected by Laura’s earlier magic. This suspicion creates internal conflict, as Laura grapples with the possibility that someone she loves might not be real, forcing her to question her assumptions and emotions. The tension heightens because identifying and expelling this unreal person is her “assignment,” adding pressure and uncertainty to her relationships. The idea blurs the line between reality and magic, emphasizing themes of trust, identity, and the nature of human connection.4. How does the karaoke scene function as a turning point for Laura’s emotional state and family dynamics?
Answer:
The karaoke scene serves as a pivotal moment that temporarily dissolves the emotional barriers between Laura and her family. Despite initial misgivings about the song choice, Laura’s commitment to the performance fosters a genuine connection and mutual appreciation among family members. Ruth’s unexpected enthusiasm and Laura’s discovery of her father’s countertenor voice reveal hidden facets of their personalities, enriching Laura’s understanding of her family. The shared performance generates a sense of joy and unity, contrasting with the earlier tension and unresolved issues. For Laura, the experience validates her love for music and provides a rare moment of communal happiness, suggesting that music can heal and strengthen familial bonds even amidst ongoing struggles.5. Considering Laura’s reflections and interactions in this chapter, what might be some challenges she faces in balancing her responsibilities with her personal desires?
Answer:
Laura faces the challenge of managing practical responsibilities—caring for Susannah, navigating family tensions, and confronting supernatural assignments—while also nurturing her personal desires, particularly her passion for music and emotional authenticity. Her tendency to compartmentalize helps her maintain order but risks emotional suppression and isolation. The chapter shows her yearning for connection and self-expression, as seen in the karaoke scene, yet she also feels burdened by unresolved family issues and the enigmatic “unreal person.” Balancing these demands requires Laura to reconcile her need for control with vulnerability, to forgive herself and others, and to find space for joy amid hardship. This tension between duty and desire is central to her character development.
Quotes
1. “LAURA HAS ALWAYS been good at compartmentalizing. You have to be if you want to get things done.”
This opening line captures Laura’s essential coping mechanism and mindset, setting the tone for the chapter. It introduces the theme of emotional management and the necessity of dividing one’s life into manageable parts to survive and progress.
2. “Music is the path that leads there, music is the future where she is going, music is the house where she will live.”
This metaphorical statement reveals Laura’s deep connection to music as both a refuge and a guiding force toward her aspirations. It highlights music’s symbolic role as a space of hope and identity in the narrative.
3. “When they’re off the stage again, Ruth is as bubbly and girlish as Laura has ever seen her. Even Ruth, who does her work in a place where everything is twilight dark and twilight hushed, can be raised up by song and praise.”
This quote underscores the transformative power of music and performance, not only for Laura but also for those around her, such as Ruth. It stresses how music can elevate spirits and create moments of joy in otherwise difficult lives.
4. “You sing and an audience gives you the coin of their love, their attention, their interest. Not every time, but sometimes, like this time.”
Here, the chapter distills the essence of performance and human connection: the exchange of vulnerability for acceptance and admiration. It reflects Laura’s internal experience and the intoxicating effect of being seen and valued.
5. “All the doors and all the boxes fly open so that she may receive admiration, adoration, veneration. Catch what comes. Store it away safely. You’ll need it in the dark, eventually.”
This passage eloquently conveys Laura’s emotional strategy—collecting moments of external validation and affection as reserves for future hardship. It encapsulates the chapter’s exploration of resilience and emotional survival through art and connection.
Quotes
1. “LAURA HAS ALWAYS been good at compartmentalizing. You have to be if you want to get things done.”
This opening line captures Laura’s essential coping mechanism and mindset, setting the tone for the chapter. It introduces the theme of emotional management and the necessity of dividing one’s life into manageable parts to survive and progress.
2. “Music is the path that leads there, music is the future where she is going, music is the house where she will live.”
This metaphorical statement reveals Laura’s deep connection to music as both a refuge and a guiding force toward her aspirations. It highlights music’s symbolic role as a space of hope and identity in the narrative.
3. “When they’re off the stage again, Ruth is as bubbly and girlish as Laura has ever seen her. Even Ruth, who does her work in a place where everything is twilight dark and twilight hushed, can be raised up by song and praise.”
This quote underscores the transformative power of music and performance, not only for Laura but also for those around her, such as Ruth. It stresses how music can elevate spirits and create moments of joy in otherwise difficult lives.
4. “You sing and an audience gives you the coin of their love, their attention, their interest. Not every time, but sometimes, like this time.”
Here, the chapter distills the essence of performance and human connection: the exchange of vulnerability for acceptance and admiration. It reflects Laura’s internal experience and the intoxicating effect of being seen and valued.
5. “All the doors and all the boxes fly open so that she may receive admiration, adoration, veneration. Catch what comes. Store it away safely. You’ll need it in the dark, eventually.”
This passage eloquently conveys Laura’s emotional strategy
— collecting moments of external validation and affection as reserves for future hardship. It encapsulates the chapter’s exploration of resilience and emotional survival through art and connection.
FAQs
1. How does Laura’s habit of compartmentalizing affect her relationships with her family, particularly with her sister Susannah?
Answer:
Laura’s compartmentalizing is a coping mechanism that allows her to manage the chaos in her family life by separating emotions and responsibilities into distinct “boxes.” This habit helps her handle practical tasks like ensuring Susannah has breakfast, clean clothes, and homework done, but it also creates emotional distance. Laura recognizes that she has made mistakes with Susannah, noting their different temperaments—Susannah as the impulsive dreamer and Laura as the future-focused planner. The compartmentalization leads Laura to carefully track their grudges and wrongs, illustrating an ongoing internal struggle to balance love and disappointment. Ultimately, this strategy allows Laura to function amid family tension but complicates emotional closeness.
2. What is the significance of music in Laura’s life and how does it relate to her identity and future aspirations?
Answer:
Music represents a sanctuary and a path to the future for Laura. She views music as more than just an art form—it’s a “house where she will live” and a way to “unpack” emotions and desires she has not yet allowed herself to fully feel. This underscores music as a means of self-expression, emotional processing, and personal growth. The karaoke scene vividly illustrates this: despite her initial reluctance, Laura commits fully to the performance, stripping away the usual embellishments to convey sincerity. The experience connects her deeply with her family and audience, reigniting her sense of belonging and identity. Music also connects her to her family heritage, as she discovers her parents’ musical talents, reinforcing that music is integral to who she is and who she hopes to become.
3. Analyze the role of the “unreal person” mentioned by Mr. Anabin. How does this concept introduce tension or conflict in the chapter?
Answer:
The “unreal person” placed into Laura’s life by Mr. Anabin introduces a supernatural or magical element that complicates Laura’s reality. This entity’s existence challenges Laura’s perception of those close to her, especially Susannah, who behaves inconsistently and is notably unaffected by Laura’s earlier magic. This suspicion creates internal conflict, as Laura grapples with the possibility that someone she loves might not be real, forcing her to question her assumptions and emotions. The tension heightens because identifying and expelling this unreal person is her “assignment,” adding pressure and uncertainty to her relationships. The idea blurs the line between reality and magic, emphasizing themes of trust, identity, and the nature of human connection.
4. How does the karaoke scene function as a turning point for Laura’s emotional state and family dynamics?
Answer:
The karaoke scene serves as a pivotal moment that temporarily dissolves the emotional barriers between Laura and her family. Despite initial misgivings about the song choice, Laura’s commitment to the performance fosters a genuine connection and mutual appreciation among family members. Ruth’s unexpected enthusiasm and Laura’s discovery of her father’s countertenor voice reveal hidden facets of their personalities, enriching Laura’s understanding of her family. The shared performance generates a sense of joy and unity, contrasting with the earlier tension and unresolved issues. For Laura, the experience validates her love for music and provides a rare moment of communal happiness, suggesting that music can heal and strengthen familial bonds even amidst ongoing struggles.
5. Considering Laura’s reflections and interactions in this chapter, what might be some challenges she faces in balancing her responsibilities with her personal desires?
Answer:
Laura faces the challenge of managing practical responsibilities—caring for Susannah, navigating family tensions, and confronting supernatural assignments—while also nurturing her personal desires, particularly her passion for music and emotional authenticity. Her tendency to compartmentalize helps her maintain order but risks emotional suppression and isolation. The chapter shows her yearning for connection and self-expression, as seen in the karaoke scene, yet she also feels burdened by unresolved family issues and the enigmatic “unreal person.” Balancing these demands requires Laura to reconcile her need for control with vulnerability, to forgive herself and others, and to find space for joy amid hardship. This tension between duty and desire is central to her character development.
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