Whirligig

Brent’s character arc is notable as he journeys to the four corners of the US. His new outlook is considerably different from his former outlook, and at time he notes that he is living a “second life.” What experiences are the most significant in prompting change in Brent? How does Brent’s narrative connect with the theme Atonement and Rebirth?

Teaching Suggestion: Brent’s creation and placement of the whirligigs becomes a journey for himself. Others’ focus on lived experiences, education, and knowledge show him that Materialism is Unfulfilling; he begins to recognize natural connections of humankind as a Karass. In his Atonement and Rebirth, he now sees the world with new perspective, which involves travelling, living frugally, and taking an interest in the world around him. The end of the novel points to the whirligigs as a catalyst in a major shift in Brent’s life: The Far-Reaching and Unknowable Consequences of Actions. Students might work briefly in pairs to brainstorm lists of significant moments in the novel, then work independently to determine which experiences prompt the most change in Brent.

Differentiation Suggestion: For an approach that includes a connection to students pre-reading work in the Personal Connection Prompt, the following suggestion may be added to the above Prompt: Compare your selected protagonist with Brent.