This exercise is designed for those who want to maximize their experience with Notes from the Flesh. There are two parts: individual preparation to isolate what I term Idea Clusters; and the subsequent group discussion.
The story, Notes from the Flesh, attempts to answer the question: “What has happened to our understanding of death?” Or, another way to phrase this question is, “What became of death with intelligence?”
Isolating the Idea Clusters. The answer to that question is spelled out with observations on the human condition, along with conclusions related to those observations. These observations and conclusions can be grouped into three Idea Clusters. Different features of these clusters are mentioned throughout the story. But roughly speaking the clusters are addressed sequentially as the story unfolds. Isolating and understanding the three Idea Clusters is your first step.
Key Words Pages
First Cluster "Conflict" 119-129 (shaded areas only)
170-192
217-218
Second Cluster "More" Bottom of 41 to 62
275-281
284-286
301 (last paragraph)
Third Cluster "Diverted" & "Decision" 130 to first half of 131 (shaded areas only)
282 (top half)
294-301 (shaded areas only and the entire page 301)
Individual work prior to the group discussion.
Start with the first cluster, work through the three steps below, then do the same with the second and third cluster.
1. Read the pages associated with this cluster.
2. Write down (using your own words if possible) either a list of the observations and conclusions that make up the cluster, or a paragraph that describes the cluster.
3. At the end of your list or paragraph, write an answer to this question about the key words mentioned above: Why do these words express the dominant feature of this cluster?
When you finish, you should have three lists or three paragraphs, one for each cluster.
For the group meeting (or meetings, depending on how much time you want to devote to discussion):
1. Start with the first cluster. Go around the group and have each person read their list or paragraph. Then compare and contrast.
(1) What are items that occur on everyone’s version of the cluster?
(2) Are there some items on some lists, but not on others? Discuss your reasons why these uncommon items should be included, or removed, from the cluster.
(3) Did the cluster present you with any ideas or observations on the human condition that you had not previously considered?
(4) Did the cluster present you with any ideas or observations on the human condition that you disagree with?
2. Go through each of the three clusters, with everyone reading their version of the cluster and discussing the questions above.
3. Questions for the group on the relationship between the clusters.
(5) How does Conflict lead into More? What’s the connection?
(6) What connects the third cluster (“Diverted” and “Decision’) with the first two clusters?
4. Discussion questions on Ironic Shock (after the discussion on Idea Clusters).
(7) Did anyone experience Ironic Shock either while reading the book, doing the individual work, or during the recent group discussion? (If members have forgotten the meaning of Ironic Shock, read the descriptions on pages 24, 66-67 and 227. Also, it is defined in the Glossary, page 306).
(8) For those who experienced Ironic Shock, describe the symptoms.
(9) Ironic Shock results from a clash of truth with illusion. If you experienced the shock, can you describe the clash, identifying both the truth and the illusion?
(10) At the bottom of page 66 and top of 67, Angie mentioned that Ironic Shock is not always negative. There are pleasant versions of the shock. What was she getting at, and how would or could this happen to you?
5. Wrapping up. Questions regarding which way to go from here. Consider these four options and think about which one applies to you:
A. Notes from the Flesh says nothing I haven’t heard or thought about before. It is now time for me to move on and turn my attention elsewhere.
B. From my reading of Notes from the Flesh I learned a few things about my self. I will continue to think about these things. For now, I don’t plan to make any new decisions.
C. Notes from the Flesh disrupted my view of my self. I can no longer continue plodding along as if this never happened. I must strike out in a new direction by making a (or some) major decision(s).
D. Notes from the Flesh left me disturbed. But I have no idea what to do about it.
(11) Which of these four options applies to you, and why? Go around the group and allow each person as much time as they need to answer.
(12) If none of the four options apply to you, what will be your response to Notes from the Flesh?
(13) Question for those who chose the “B” option: Why not take the next step now, and make the decision(s) related to what you learned; what holds you back?
(14) Question for those who chose the “C” option: What are these decisions you think you should make?
6. Final question:
(15)What is Notes from the Flesh about?
Discuss your answers in the group. Have someone take notes as you bounce ideas off each other. Then, see if you can agree on a concise (three or four sentences) statement describing the book.