For Your Consideration April 11-14 ~ On Grammar ~ pgs.133-170

1. According to psychoanalists, what does an involuntary act signify? What is it about the new tenant that causes the concierge to shudder at their first meeting at the elevator?

2. What made the tenant suspect that this lowly employee, the concierge, would know the source of her comment regarding happy/unhappy families?

3. Why is Paloma so taken with Mr. Kakura Ozu? Is it believable that he would confide his suspicions in this child - that the concierge is not what she appears to be?

4. What had Paloma observed earlier that made her think Mme. Michel is not a "real" concierge? How can she see what no one else can see, "the refinement of the hedgehog" in the concierge? Does she exaggerate her elegance here?

5. What is it about M.Paul Nguyen that makes Renée forget to hide who she really is? Is there something straightforward about the Japanese that causes this response, not just Mr. Kakura Ozu?

6. Why does Manuela's description of the new sliding doors delight Renée? Is it the doors, or the conversation they are having about the doors?

7. How do Madame Michel and Paloma view the importance of proper grammar? Did you agree with Paloma's views on education as expressed in her debate with her French teacher, Madame Fine?

8. How does Paloma regard those who "know neither the enchantment nor the beauty of languages"? Does Madame Michel regard such people in the same way?

9. Why does Madame Michel admire M. Kakuro for having only one of everything? What does this tell her about him? Do you have matching end tables, lamps? Do you tend to buy things in "twos"?

10. Do you agree with the Japanese, that you can only savor a pleasure if you understand it is ephemeral?