Originally Posted by Karen 13th August 2006


As we wrap up this discussion:

The beginning of the last chapter on page 97 starts with

"All my life, I've let myself die"

Just exactly what do you think Antoine meant by this?

Nurseanne8


Antoine sits on his bench while observing the activities of the children at play and the range of emotions displayed-extreme happiness to rage realizes he never took the time and energy to participate in life. I think at this point he regrets his choices-but surrounded by youth he realizes he can witness the circle of life (as posted by Deppraved-I believe) while he waits for death. What does he mean by this passage "and I still ask myself the same questions" - is he saying that some questions about life will never be answered? This meaning of this passage is buggine me.

Karen


IT bugs the heck out of me too...and I want to know why he keeps getting asked where he lives? As in where he exists? Or where does he LIVE his LIFE?? He seems to just exist. arrggg

Nurseanne8


Maybe the author did not want to answer those questions-so we will take the time to reflect on our own lifestyle-am I really living life the way I want or am I already "dead"?

Deppraved


It's a shame, really, but many people have regrets at the end of their life.

This maybe was Antoine's regret--that life had passed him by while he was just waiting to die.

To quote Braveheart (but I do believe it was "stolen" from another, much older source) "Every man dies; but not every man lives."

It's never too late to start, either---and Antoine did, fortunately, begin to grasp that concept, better late than never.

Nurseanne8


Good points-I noticed that the author is a widower and father of children in the back of the book-maybe he wrote this book as part of the grieving process-and wanted his audience to examine their own life-so hence no answers. I agree it is never to late make changes-but we are such creatures of habit change never takes place.

Karen


Really great thoughts Arnelle and Anne. Or in other words...we've bought the ticket...maybe we should go on and take the ride!