Bookclub-in-a-Box Discusses the Cat's Table, by Michael Ondaatje by Marilyn Herbert

Author:Marilyn Herbert
Language: eng
Format: epub
ISBN: 9781927121146
Publisher: Bookclub-in-a-Box

Consider the many changes in your life. Is it possible to choose the most defining ones? if so, discuss how they impacted the development of your identity.

Boundaries

In his work, Ondaatje frequently talks about how boundaries are moveable and able to be penetrated. In this book, he goes one step further and uses the ship as a physical microcosm of the social stratification of society at large. Starting with the different class categories of the passengers from first to third, there are physical boundaries (floors and tables) which house the variety of people on board. The borders of each social division are firm, but there are occasional shifts, such as Michael’s relationship with Flavia Prins, Emily’s connection to Sunil and the prisoner through Asuntha, as well as through the boys who wander freely above and below all of the decks, including first class.

The social stratification aboard the Oronsay is further illustrated with the snobbish Flavia Prins, invited to dine at the Captain’s Table and to take tea on the officers’ bridge. Flavia and her friends, the “two Violets,” were expert bridge players, using their connections to search out an available beau. Michael would have given anything to see them matched against Mr. Hastie. He wanted to know whose luck would hold in cards and/or in love.

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