Essay Questions

What lesson does the reader learn from the character, Lucas?

The author introduces Lucas as a young disabled boy aged 13 years old when his elder brother, Simon, dies. Before his death, Simon worked in the factory, and he was the sole provider of his entire family. Consequently, Simon's death implied that his whole family remained in abject poverty. Despite being disabled, Lucas takes his brother's place in the factory to provide for his family. Therefore, the reader comprehends that disability is not inability.

What is the dramatic satire in the book ‘Specimen Days’ by Michael Cunningham?

Ironically, Catherine secretly loves Lucas, but she does not want to show it. Catherine was Simon's fiancé before he died, meaning that Lucas is supposed to be her brother-in-law. Lucas realizes that Catherine is romantically attracted to him when she kisses him. Catherine is about 25 years old, which is almost twice the age of Lucas. The reader finds it satirical that Catherine is deeply in love with Lucas after her fiancé has just died.

How does the author illustrate that Lucas is determined to save the life of Catherine?

Lucas feels that Simon's spirit is after Catherine's life, and these predictions coincide with his mother's suspicions. Lucas warns Catherine, but she does not take the advice seriously. Lucas decides to injure himself intentionally and force Catherine to take him to the hospital. While they are in the hospital, the garment factory where Catherine works go up in flames, and many people are killed. Therefore, Catherine's life is spared courtesy of Lucas' tactical strategy to force her to come to the hospital with him. Consequently, Lucas is so determined to ensure that Catherine is safe at all costs.