Station Eleven - Chapter 10

Summary

In 'Station Eleven' by Emily St. John Mandel, the Symphony struggles with interpersonal conflicts and the challenges of travel in a post-apocalyptic world. The group's relationships are tested as they rehearse 'A Midsummer Night's Dream' in Saint Debra by the Water, where they discover unsettling grave markers and the mysterious departure of friends Charlie and Jeremy.

Takeaways

• 🎻 The story revolves around a symphony group, Station Eleven, which travels and performs in a post-apocalyptic world.
• 🌐 The group faces interpersonal conflicts and tensions, reflecting the complexities of human relationships even in a collapsed society.
• 🎵 Music and the performing of Shakespeare plays serve as a form of cultural preservation and a source of joy amidst the hardships.
• 🛣️ The symphony group travels through various towns, each with its own struggles and secrets, illustrating the resilience of communities.
• 🏘️ The town of Saint Debra by the Water has undergone significant changes since the symphony's last visit, including an epidemic and a 'change in management'.
• 📜 The script mentions grave markers with names, including those of Charlie and Jeremy, suggesting a mysterious event or cover-up.
• 🤰 Charlie, a cellist and a friend of Kirsten, was pregnant during the symphony's previous visit but has since disappeared along with her husband and baby.
• 🤔 The midwife warns Kirsten to stop asking questions about Charlie and Jeremy and advises the symphony to leave town quickly, hinting at danger.
• 👀 A young girl silently follows Kirsten, observing her actions, which adds an element of mystery and surveillance.
• 🚶‍♀️ Kirsten's search for her friends leads her to uncover unsettling truths about the town and its recent history.
• 🎭 The symphony's performance of 'A Midsummer Night's Dream' serves as a backdrop to the unfolding drama and investigation in the town.

Q & A

What is the central theme of 'Station Eleven' by Emily St. John Mandel?

The central theme of 'Station Eleven' revolves around the concept of art, memory, and the persistence of culture in a post-apocalyptic world, as seen through the journey of a symphony orchestra.

What is the 'problem with the travelling Symphony' mentioned in the script?

The problem with the travelling Symphony is the interpersonal conflicts and tensions among its members, which are common issues faced by any group of people living and working closely together in challenging circumstances.

Why does the third cello have a grudge against Dieter?

The third cello holds a grudge against Dieter due to a careless remark Dieter made about the dangers of practicing an instrument in dangerous territory, which could potentially give away their location.

What is the significance of the number 'seven' in the context of the guitarists in the Symphony?

The number 'seven' signifies the tradition of the guitarists not changing their numbers when one of them dies or leaves, creating a continuity and a sense of immortality within the group.

How does the seventh guitar's poor eyesight affect his role in the Symphony?

The seventh guitar's poor eyesight limits his ability to perform routine tasks like repairs and hunting, making him feel like 'dead weight' to some members of the Symphony, particularly the second horn.

What is the relationship between August and Kirsten, and why does it cause tension within the Symphony?

August and Kirsten are close friends who have made a pact to remain friends forever. This relationship causes tension, especially with the second violin, who is jealous and has a misunderstanding about the nature of their relationship.

Why does the first violin have a chilly demeanor towards Sayid?

The first violin is chilly towards Sayid because he rejected her romantic overtures in favor of Kirsten, which has led to feelings of resentment.

What is the significance of the grave markers with Charlie and Jeremy's names on them?

The grave markers with Charlie and Jeremy's names signify a mystery and a potential threat to the Symphony, as it is suggested that they may have been forced to leave town or are in danger, and the markers could be a warning or a sign of something yet to come.

What does the midwife tell Kirsten about Charlie and Jeremy's departure from the town?

The midwife tells Kirsten that Charlie and Jeremy had to leave town due to rejecting the prophet's advances, and she advises Kirsten to stop asking questions and to tell her people to leave as quickly as possible.

What is the atmosphere of the town of Saint Debra by the Water when the Symphony returns for their performance?

The atmosphere is tense and changed from when the Symphony was last there. There are fewer people, the town appears to be under new management, and there is a sense of unease and mystery surrounding the recent events and the departure of Charlie and Jeremy.