Book Club: The Host--Day 1

Question
Body my house
my horse my hound
what will I do
when you are fallen

Where will I sleep
How will I ride
What will I hunt

Where can I go
without my mount
all eager and quick
How will I know
in thicket ahead
is danger or treasure
When Body my good
bright dog is dead

How will it be
to lie in the sky
without roof or door
and wind for an eye

with cloud for a shift
how will I hide?
             ---May Swenson


The chapters for Day 1 were the Prologue through chapter 2. I marked a few lines that I liked, so I thought I would start the discussion there.

In the prologue, the Healer and his assistant are talking the adult human that has been brought in. They are getting ready to insert the soul, and the Healer is annoyed by the students who came to watch the procedure. The assistant made a comment that the soul they are about to insert has be specifically picked the human on the table. He said that, if the soul was able to, it would have volunteered for this assignment. This is how the Healer responds,

"Who among us would not volunteer if asked to do something for the greater good? But is that really the case here? Is the greater good served by this? The question is not her willingness, but what is right to ask any soul to bear."

As you know, the human put up a pretty good fight to avoid being captured; the human's final act damaged the body a lot. The soul is going to have every single memory of the human. The Healer knows that the soul is going to have to bear a lot. Supposedly this is all for "the greater good", but the Healer is not sure if he is doing the right thing in this case. It makes me think about how even the best intentions may not be appropriate, they could make the situation worse, especially if the actions taken to do the "right thing" is not the right thing in itself. Does this make sense?

My last two quotes come from chapter 2.
"Storytelling was the most honored of all talents, for it benefited everyone." I really like that line. I think storytelling has always been important. Remember, before the written word came about, stories were told orally. These stories were myths, in the sense that it helped them understand the world. I like stories.

"Good citizenship was quintessential to every soul." Does this make you think of the Hunger Games to you? You know, how the citizens of the districts had to obey the laws of the Capitol. The reason why the Games took place was to prove to the Districts that they couldn't beat the Capitol. Remember what happened the last time they tried to revolt? This is what that line makes me think of. The Souls control everything. It is important to obey them. In fact, I think the Seeker could work for the Capitol. She has the same sort of mindset.

These are my thoughts so far. I look forward to hearing your thoughts.
---Amelia