Santángel tells Luzia it’s a mistake to seek invisibility, that “it is a danger to become nothing.” What does he mean, in your opinion? Did your interpretation of this change as you learned more of his story? Do you think he’s correct?
Created: 04/24/24
Replies: 7
Join Date: 10/16/10
Posts: 1011
Santángel tells Luzia it’s a mistake to seek invisibility, that “it is a danger to become nothing.” What does he mean, in your opinion? Did your interpretation of this change as you learned more of his story? Do you think he’s correct?
Join Date: 12/14/23
Posts: 16
Reflecting on Santagel himself always disappearing into the background, I would assume he's warning Luzia of his own anonymity that he sought as a protective measure, but may not feel it is as positive as he thought it would be. I would imagine it led him to his life of isolation, apathy, disengagement and being taken advantage of by Victor.
Join Date: 04/02/13
Posts: 109
Join Date: 01/14/15
Posts: 81
The danger of becoming nothing is losing yourself to fear, to inaction, to stasis, never knowing your potential, never knowing what you're capable of contributing to the world. So it's a danger to yourself and the world around you.
To quote Wayne Gretzky, "You miss 100 percent of the shots you never take."
Join Date: 12/04/20
Posts: 151
Santangel was conveying to Luzia that becoming nothing enables one to fade into the background, avoid notoriety, move about stealthily, a spirit unnoticed providing a false sense of security and power. The danger lies in the value exchange - becoming nothing for an eternity of existence in exchange for a life of meaning, self-direction, accomplishment, lasting loving relationships, freedom. You can see his self perception change as the novel progresses. Should one live a meaningless life of subservience in exchange for immortality, or should one take the risks and make a lasting mark in this world, then move on to whatever is next.
Join Date: 03/14/21
Posts: 156
Join Date: 03/17/24
Posts: 7
Santangel has a gift for being invisible, so in a sense he is talking about himself. But he's also telling Luzia that she has a right to live to her potential, to do what feels true, to use her gifts, so to speak, even if others tell her not to do that. This message feels especially relevant for women, who are encouraged to support others' needs rather than their own, and for members of various minority groups who are criticized for pointing to their own need for visibility and justice.
Join Date: 02/29/16
Posts: 205
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