Essay Questions

Who is Elvira?

This is actually a more complicated question that it might seem. Technically speaking, Elvira isn’t even actually a “who” but a what. On the other hand, Elvira is mentioned by name in sentences like “You are Elvira are so smart” throughout the narrative. Elvira is a machine attached to the protagonist’s wheelchair which she can type into and have the result come out as human speech. Elvira also has computer functions and can connect to the internet, which is what accounts for the being “smart” comment. That Melody is dependent upon Elvira to communicate her thoughts makes the relationship between human and machine more complicated to the extent there is a sort of bionic symbiosis between them that serves to endow Elvira with almost a distinct but not quite separate identity.

What is a significant example of foreshadowing in the novel?

Very early on in the story, Melody’s mother is packing her clothes for the trip to the summer camp. For the most part, it is standard attire one would expect to wear for such an occasion: T-shirts, shorts, socks and underwear. But then Melody notices something that is quite distinctly not expected: a red dress. Melody expresses he disapproval by having Elvira voice that summer camp is hardly prom so it is highly unlikely such a fancy bit of clothing needs to be packed at all. To which her mother responds with a reply that is motherhood encapsulated: “You never know.” It winds up seeming, however, as if her mother does know something about the camp experience that even Melody—who has almost memorized the brochure—does not know. This little scene and Mom’s voice of experience foreshadows a very important event taking place much latter in the book: a prom-like dance.

How does the novel subtly imply that projection is a common problem with parents of disabled children?

Melody’s mom and Mrs. V are strangely overexcited by the prospect of Melody getting the opportunity to ride a horse at camp. This excitement stems from what seems to be a misinterpretation of the extent of Melody’s interest in watching old westerns with her dad and horse races like the Kentucky Derby. Melody goes on to make it quite clear that she, herself, has never really even entertained the idea of riding a horse if only because the logistics make it seem highly unlikely. There is an undertone here, however, in which Melody is actually the one who is excited by the idea, but rather that this ambition had been projected onto her for whatever reason by her caretakers, suggesting that this may be a rather common occurrence.