Originally Posted by Karen 27th September 2006


Mutz felt compelled to literally "spy" on the worshipers to see first hand what they were doing. By us getting this view of their worship service we learned many things. What do you think we learned about Balashov in this chapter? What did we learn about Mutz? And what did we learn about what they felt about Anna?

Please remember to stay in the context of what we knew then. Thanks

Ellen


I thought of Mutz as a sort of mayor in the town. He seemed aware of everything that was going on, but I don't think that anymore. His curiosity of the religion makes me wonder if he was asked to join the group and said no, or if he was overlooked by the religious people for whatever reason. He obviously was terrified he was going to get caught spying, making me wonder if he's terrified of the people.

Balashov I'm not too sure of. He seems shady, and what better way to get your claws into people than through religion? And by no means do I mean that in a negative way. I just think people, in any place in history, were looking for something or someone to believe in. We've seen people fall for false religions, and in the end, lose their life. All for the sake of just simply wanting to believe in something and have someone to guide them. I guess what I'm trying to say about Balashov is that, right now, I'm not sure what I think of him. But I'm leaning towards a power monger.

I have no idea how they feel about Anna. Was she the widow that was mentioned at the end of the chapter?

Karen


Mutz is the Czech army lieutenant, he serves under the command of Capt. Matula...so he does pretty much "run" or "oversee" the community. He is a part of the Czech army that's been all but abandoned there. I think he is more curious about the towns people, as this is not his home and yet he has to run the place, under Matula's orders. I think he is trying to understand these people as they seem different to him and he wonders where their children are....

Keep watching Balashov....

And yes, Anna Petrovna is the widow that they speak about.

Meek writes in such a layered and deep manner that he gives you a lot of character exposition and then you will go back and check what he's given you....there is a light bulb moment...

Ellen


Thanks Karen. You and Anner make things a little more understandable for me. Am I the only one who's having a bit of a time with this book? I read and re-read, but don't understand everything until someone explains it to me. I'm feeling a bit dense.

Karen


No Ellen, you aren't dense. Meek writes in layers. Just keep reading, I would suggest though not reading something over and over. Just keep going forward...there really IS a lightbulb moment when it all makes sense. THEN go back and check what clues he gave you.

Ellen


Thanks Karen. I shall trudge forward! LOL It really is interesting, especially after explanation.

Irish1967


Not sure how to do the neat quotes, but Karen said "there is a light bulb moment..."

Ellen, I am trudging along with you. Made some progress today, but not ready to post yet! Maybe after dinner, kiddies to bed, a bit o' rum ...

Not giving up, though!

Nurseanne8


Mutz is shrewd and is trying to figure if Balashov is withholding information regarding the murder of the Shaman or maybe even be involved. He acknowledges to Balashov that he has reservations regarding their practice of refusing meat, drink, and not worshiping in a church-and he wonders why there are no children in the villege. He also wonders why Balashov is so concerned about Anna's safety and noted to himself that Balashov appeared to be lying when he said he was not welcome at her door. Balashov also was out past the curfew and does not have a sound explanation which also piques Mutz's suspicions of the sect and the leader. Balashov is clearly the leader of the group-he "spins" longest and after doing so states that he is an angel who took a trip and saw God. He relates to the sect members their history with all the different factions who have been in Yazyk since the revolution. He cements his position of leadership by stating he had a "vision" that the legion would be leaving the villege and life would improve. Balashov's weakness is clearly his allegiance to Anna when a fellow female sect member questions why the widow will not leave and Balashov replys that she was not in the vision. Meek lets the reader know that Mutz and Balashov both have feelings for Anna but the nature of the feelings is still unclear.

Herestoyou


I agree with all that's been said. Mutz is a sympathetic character in my view. He's trying to bring some sense to the nonsense of war and of being in a foreign country. He does seem to have concern for the welfare of the men in his army as well as the people of the town.He really just wants to get back to his own country, but is hampered by the somewhat crazed Matula. This is where you do start feeling some connection between Mutz and Anna, too.

Nurseanne8


Good points-his actions illustrate he is a man of honor.

Deppraved


What intelligent, practical man of honor and responsibilty wouldn't feel compelled to spy on the mysterious and the powerful in Yasyk? He was distrustful of nearly everyone and for good reason.

He even had Anna figured out pretty well, and would have done so without her confidence.