Train by Patti Smith (book)

Posted on by Leakey
  1. Introduction (untitled)
    In what ways does the opening piece on the dream suggest a way to read or to frame this work? How does this
    opening meet (or fail to meet) your expectations for a “biographical” work or a memoir?Speculate: Who is the
    cowpoke? What could he represent? What is the significance of this little story? How would you write your life
    story?
  2. Café ‘Ino
    What important themes and story lines (one might call these narrative threads) are laid down in this first
    chapter? How do they twine together?
  3. Changing Channels
    Why is Smith interested in the Continental Drift Club? What is the significance of memory or remembrance for
    Smith?
  4. Animal Crackers
    How do angels and detectives function for the author in this chapter? Explore the debate over history in the
    How does the past stir up controversy? What do detectives and poets have in common? Investigate the
    writer’s use of detail. What kinds of details are important? Can you imagine what kinds of details are omitted
    and why?
    Seeing through Smith’s eyes, what is your impression of Berlin and London? French Guiana? There are many
    ways and reasons to travel. What is travelling to this writer?
  5. The Flea Draws Blood
    Who was Fred Sonic Smith?
    Why is the author drawn to Jean Genet? Find out more about her major influences.
    Who was William Burroughs and why is he—no longer living—important to Smith in this book?
    Who was William Blake? Why is William Blake’s The Ghost of a Flea significant?
    Are Burroughs and Blake in some way connected for Smith?
    How do you imagine Sebald’s novel relates to Blake and Burroughs in the writer’s quest for inspiration or poetic
    dialogue? Why do you suppose Smith includes the polaroid of Tolstoy’s stuffed bear at the end of this chapter?
  6. Hill of Beans

This question has been answered.

Get Answer